 Early Times Report
Jammu, May 19: Internal differences within the Indian National Congress in Jammu and Kashmir appear set to sharpen, with the incumbent Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) leadership headed by Tariq Hameed Karra reportedly preparing to take a tough stand against senior leaders who have stayed away from the party’s ongoing programmes and protest campaigns. At a party function held in Jammu on Tuesday, several Congress leaders considered close to Karra sent a clear message that workers and leaders actively participating in the party’s agitations against the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government would be recognised and encouraged in the future.
Without naming any individual, the speakers contrasted grassroots workers who have been taking to the streets to protest what they described as anti-people policies of the BJP with some senior leaders who, they sa “Iceland’s prowess in sectors relating to the Blue Economy is admirable. We are hopeful that the historic India-EFTA TEPA will give an impetus to trade and investment linkages as well,”
The leaders cautioned that those who continue to distance themselves from the party’s official programmes may find it difficult to secure a place in the organisation in the days ahead.
Sources in the party said the current PCC leadership has already apprised the Congress high command of the conduct of certain senior leaders who have allegedly been boycotting official events and protest programmes.
The development is being seen as a sign of growing factionalism within the Jammu and Kashmir Congress, with the Karra-led leadership determined to reward active participation and enforce greater discipline within the organisation.
Important to mention here that many senior “dissident” leaders have been boycotting the party’s official functions for a long time. | 