 Sandeep Bhat
Early Times Report
Jammu, Oct 11: As the Congress leadership makes a last-ditch effort to secure a safe Rajya Sabha seat from its coalition partner, the National Conference (NC), the party has called an emergency meeting in Srinagar on Sunday to decide its next course of action amid escalating tensions within the alliance. According to party insiders, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hamid Karra has directed all senior leaders to reach Srinagar for the crucial meeting, which is expected to shape the party’s strategy ahead of the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.
A senior Congress leader, speaking to The Early Times on condition of anonymity, said that the party leadership has kept all options open in the ongoing seat-sharing negotiations with the NC.
“We have kept our option open. In case our efforts to secure one safe seat fail, we will explore other alternatives,” the leader said, adding that the Congress was “not very optimistic” about the outcome of the discussions.
He further remarked that if the National Conference refuses to concede even a single Rajya Sabha seat, there would be “no justification” for the Congress to continue in the coalition.
“Tomorrow’s meeting is very crucial. Important decisions regarding the alliance and the party’s future strategy will be taken,” the leader revealed.
As earlier reported by The Early Times, cracks within the NC–Congress coalition have widened.
Tensions between the two allies have escalated in recent weeks following a series of public exchanges, with both sides accusing each other of undermining the coalition.
The National Conference leadership recently accused the Congress of “speaking the language of the BJP” and attempting to weaken the government from within.
The sharp rebuke came in response to critical statements made by senior Congress leaders, including Dr. Syed Naseer Hussain, the party’s national general secretary in charge of J&K, and Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, who questioned the performance of the NC-led administration.
Defending the party’s performance, NC provincial president Rattan Lal Gupta termed the Congress criticism “unfortunate,” saying that instead of acknowledging the government’s efforts, the Congress was “casting doubts on its credibility.”
“The Omar-led government has delivered on reforms, development, and transparency despite immense pressure from the Centre and interference from the Lieutenant Governor’s office,” Gupta asserted.
The situation intensified when Dr. Hussain accused NC ministers of “shirking responsibility,” citing Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s recent remark that the restoration of the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway was “not in his hands.” Hussain said such statements had disheartened the public and called for adequate compensation to those affected by flood damage and recurring highway closures. |
