Early times Report
Jammu, Feb 18: While refraining from directly criticizing coalition partner National Conference (NC), Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief Tariq Hameed Karra subtly questioned the party’s absence from the Congress-led movement for the restoration of statehood.
Speaking at a rally in Doda as part of the “Hamari Riyasat, Hamara Haq” campaign, Karra urged the media to ask the National Conference why it has chosen not to support the ongoing agitation.
When pressed by journalists on NC’s lack of involvement, Karra deflected, stating, “You should ask the National Conference why they are not standing with us in this fight.”
However, he reaffirmed that the Congress entered into an alliance with NC solely in the interest of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, with the primary objective of preventing the BJP from gaining power in the Union Territory.
“Our first and foremost goal was to stop the BJP from forming the government in Jammu and JKPCC chief Tariq Hameed Karra urged the media to ask the National Conference why it has chosen not to support the ongoing agitation.
Our first and foremost goal was to stop the BJP from forming the government in Jammu and Kashmir.
Karra also reminded that statehood restoration was not just a Congress demand but was also included in the National Conference’s election manifesto. His remarks subtly underscored the contradiction between NC’s stated commitment to statehood and its current silence on the issue.
Drawing a parallel with the recent Delhi Assembly election results, Karra emphasized Congress’ indispensable role in opposing the BJP nationwide. “The outcome in Delhi is a clear indication that dislodging the BJP without Congress' support is extremely difficult, if not impossible,” he said, reinforcing the party’s importance in the broader opposition strategy.
As the Congress intensifies its campaign for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, Karra’s remarks put the spotlight on the coalition dynamics, raising questions about the National Conference’s position on this critical issue. | 