Sanjay Pandita
Early Times Report
Jammu, Aug 23: Resentment is brewing within among Congress workers following the announcement of new office-bearers for various districts, with several party workers and leaders expressing displeasure over the appointments and alleging that loyal workers have been overlooked.
While some leaders have openly voiced their anger over the announcement, several others are reportedly in touch with their supporters and associates to discuss the future course of action.
Party sources said a section of Congress leaders is particularly unhappy over the alleged preference given to individuals who had left the party along with former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and joined his Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP).
According to sources, several leaders who had resigned from the Congress during the political developments surrounding Azad’s exit were subsequently associated with the DPAP. Some of them have now been given important organisational positions following their return to the Congress, a move that has reportedly upset sections of the party’s traditional cadre.
The disgruntled leaders have questioned the rationale behind ignoring those who remained with the Congress during what they described as a difficult phase for the party, while allegedly rewarding those who had left when the organisation was facing a period of politica The disgruntled leaders have questioned the rationale behind ignoring those who remained with the Congress during what they described as a difficult phase for the party, while allegedly rewarding those who had left when the organisation was facing a period of political uncertainty.
“Those who stood by the party during difficult times have been ignored, while leaders who had deserted the Congress have been rewarded with important positions,” a party functionary said, requesting anonymity.
The latest appointments have reportedly triggered discussions among leaders and workers in several districts. Sources said some of the disgruntled leaders are consulting their supporters before deciding on their next course of action.
The discontent comes at a time when the Congress is seeking to strengthen its organisational structure in Jammu and Kashmir and revive its grassroots network. The emergence of internal differences over organisational appointments could pose another challenge for the party as it attempts to consolidate its cadre and expand its political base.
Party insiders, however, maintained that the issue could still be addressed through internal discussions and consultations, and hoped that senior leadership would take note of the concerns being raised by the workers.
The Congress leadership is yet to publicly respond to the allegations of discontent over the appointments.
The developments are likely to keep the focus on internal organisational dynamics within the J&K Congress, particularly over the balance between accommodating returning leaders and recognising those who remained with the party during its difficult phase. | 