Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 29: The bond between National Conference -Congress will be put to real test tomorrow when the Cabinet meets to take some vital decisions. The Congress Ministers defied party command and participated in the previous Cabinet meeting. The Congress had urged its Ministers not to attend the meeting unless and until the National Conference Additional general Secretary, Dr Mustafa Kamaal apologizes for his uncalled for statements against the Congress leaders. Kamaal even issued statements against Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
He (Kamaal), however, did not apologize nor did the NC leadership take any action against him. Notwithstanding Kamaal's `arrogance' the Congress Ministers attended the Cabinet meeting saying the situation that had turned explosive after Kishtwar clashes warranted their participation in the meeting.
The clashes are over now and peace has almost been restored. How will the Congress Ministers behave? While it remains to be seen, the Congress leaders from both the factions have other problems to address in the coming days. The General Secretary and In charge Jammu Kashmir is visiting Jammu shortly and both the factions seem have joined hands (for the time being) to present a j united face of the party.
It, therefore, will be difficult for senior leaders like Taj Mohi-ud-Din, Peerzada Sayed and others (who had ruled ouy boycott of the Cabinet meeting) to defy the party directions.
The state unit of Congress also intends to tell Soni about `persecution' of Congress leaders and workers by the National Conference. They also intend to tell her about the hazards of continuing the alliance with the NC.
In this background, the Congress leaders have to at least make a show of unity. Tomorrow's Cabinet meeting, therefore, may be an all NC affair. |
