 Early Times Report
Srinagar, June 10: The Jammu & Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) is again in news for wrong reasons as its President, Tariq Hameed Karra, is facing allegations of promoting family members for key political roles.
According to the details available with Early Times photographs from a high-profile political gathering have gone viral, sparking a political storm. The images show Tariq Hameed Karra prominently featuring his son, Waleed Karra, and wife, Asifa Naqash, alongside close family friend Nissar Mandoo, who was accompanied by his son, Yasir, while no senior leaders are seen.
Political observers are now calling this a “family affair” that reflects a troubling trend within the party’s evolving power structure.
The viral visuals have triggered sharp criticism from civil society and political commentators, who argue that such overt displays of dynastic favouritism betray the Congress party’s historic commitment to meritocracy and grassroots democracy.
“These photographs speak louder than any manifesto,” said a senior political a "These photographs speak louder than any manifesto. When political platforms start resembling family reunions, it calls into question the party’s sincerity in upholding democratic values.”
The optics of family dominance come as a bitter irony for the Congress party, which has consistently criticized dynastic politics in rival parties. The apparent internal endorsement of hereditary succession by its J&K leadership now appears to contradict the very values the party claims to champion.
This controversy has particularly struck a chord with the youth — many of whom see dynastic politics as regressive and incompatible with modern democratic ideals. Social media platforms are flooded with posts demanding transparency and merit-based leadership within political institutions.
Observers warn that these pictures could damage the party’s already fragile base in Jammu & Kashmir, especially as it attempts to regain political relevance in the region.
“The Congress leadership maintaining silence over the issue is an indication that the JKPCC Chief can do whatever he likes,” said an observer. | 