JK Congress to Launch Introspection After Dismal Performance in Jammu Region, Says Karra

SRINAGAR, Oct 9:  Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Tariq Hameed Karra stated on Wednesday that the party would undertake a comprehensive introspection into its poor performance in the recent Assembly elections, particularly in the Jammu region. He emphasized the need for a critical evaluation of the party’s strategies and outcomes to understand the reasons behind the disappointing results.

Karra raised concerns regarding potential administrative lapses and even alleged possible manipulation in the run-up to the elections. “There were lapses on the part of the administration, or perhaps deliberate attempts to influence the outcome,” he remarked, adding that, in the last three days before the elections, police checkpoints were removed, enabling the distribution of money and liquor. “We are deeply concerned about these irregularities, and we will thoroughly introspect them,” Karra told

In a gesture of goodwill, Karra, along with JKPCC in-charge for Jammu and Kashmir, Bharat Solanki, met with National Conference (NC) leaders Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah to formally congratulate them on their victory. Karra noted that the electoral mandate clearly reflected the people’s rejection of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) “divisive policies and oppressive measures,” which he described as tactics that undermine constitutional, social, and cultural values. “The people have spoken against hate-mongering, divisive politics, and atrocities inflicted at various levels. The electorate has decisively voted against such oppressive practices,” he asserted.

Karra further reiterated the Congress party’s commitment to advocating for the restoration of statehood in Jammu and Kashmir, declaring that the struggle for this cause would now begin afresh. In response to inquiries regarding potential discussions with NC on government formation, Karra clarified that no talks had taken place yet. “Our visit was purely to extend congratulations on behalf of the Congress. We met the Abdullahs to formally acknowledge their victory. Omar Abdullah mentioned that their legislature party would convene, and discussions with alliance partners would follow. We will wait for their internal deliberations to conclude,” he explained.

The National Conference-Congress alliance achieved a notable victory in the first Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. However, the Congress’s individual performance fell short of expectations, with only one out of its 29 candidates securing a win in the Jammu region. Prominent leaders, including two working presidents, faced defeat. Despite contesting the elections in alliance with NC, the Congress had fielded 32 candidates—primarily in the Jammu region—compared to NC’s 51 candidates.

The Congress party expressed disappointment over its results in the Jammu region, which did not align with its expectations. It announced plans to gather detailed feedback to analyze the reasons behind the electoral setback. The alliance arrangement included the CPI(M) and the Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP), each allocated one seat. Notably, the Congress and NC also engaged in a ‘friendly contest’ on five seats, highlighting the complexity of their electoral strategy.