Early Times Report
Jammu, Nov 23: Internal tensions within the Jammu and Kashmir Congress are set to flare up yet again following the latest organisational reshuffle announced by AICC general secretary in-charge J&K, Dr. Syed Nasir Hussain. The decision to appoint Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) observers for the ongoing Sangathan Sarjan Abhiyan without consulting the existing J&K leadership has sparked frustration among senior party loyalists.
Dr. Hussain, late Saturday evening, issued a list naming PCC observers for 21 organisational districts—a figure that exceeds the UT’s administrative count of 20. The Congress has bifurcated Jammu into Jammu Urban and Jammu Rural, elevating the organisational number to 21. Each district has been assigned an observer who will work alongside AICC observers in the massive membership and restructuring exercise currently underway across the UT.
Highly placed party sources revealed that the appointments were made without any consultation with the current Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president or the senior leadership.
“Dr. Hussain took this decision entirely on his own. The state leadership was not even informed, let alone consulted,” said a senior Congress leader, speaking on condition of anonymity to the Early Times.
What has triggered deeper unease within the party is the inclusion of several leaders who had quit the Congress along with Ghulam Nabi Azad in September 2022, when he launched his own political outfit. Many of those who abandoned the Congress during its most difficult phase have now been reinstated — and assigned key organisational responsibilities.
“This is nothing short of a rehabilitation drive for deserters,” a disgruntled senior leader said.
“Those who left us at the time of crisis have been rewarded with prime positions, while those who stood by the pa Internal tensions within the Jammu and Kashmir Congress are set to flare up yet again.
The decision to appoint PCC observers for the ongoing Sangathan Sarjan Abhiyan without consulting the existing J&K leadership has sparked frustration.
Appointments were made without any consultation with the current Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president or the senior leadership.
What has triggered deeper unease within the party is the inclusion of several leaders who had quit the Congress along with Ghulam Nabi Azad.
According to insiders, some long-standing party workers who have remained committed to the Congress despite challenges and opposition feel betrayed and demoralised by the sudden preference given to turncoats.
The move has led to anger and resentment within the J&K Congress cadre, many of whom believe the decision undermines the sacrifices and loyalty of grassroots workers. Several party insiders fear that this could deepen existing factional divides at a time when the Congress is trying to revive its organisational structure after years of instability and defections.
The appointment list reportedly includes individuals who were once considered close to Azad and had vocally criticised the Congress leadership upon their exit. Their reinstatement into important roles has intensified speculation within the party regarding internal lobbies working at cross-purposes.
After facing severe setbacks in successive Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in J&K since 2014, the Congress is attempting to rebuild its grassroots presence. However, insiders warn that decisions taken “without internal consensus” could derail efforts to unify the party and energize its cadre.
Party leaders fear that the abrupt reshuffle may not only alienate loyal workers but also widen the trust deficit between the state unit and the AICC.
“The timing is wrong, the method is wrong, and the message it sends is even worse,” a senior functionary said. “Instead of strengthening the organisation, this may further shake the party’s internal cohesion.”
The Congress high command is expected to monitor the feedback generated by these appointments, but for now, the organisational restructuring has triggered a fresh wave of internal discontent — one that threatens to escalate in the coming weeks unless addressed promptly |