Jammu, 19-08-2024: The Congress Party, under the leadership of newly appointed Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) chief Tariq Hameed Karra, is open to discussions with like-minded parties to form a “respectable alliance” for the upcoming J&K assembly elections. However, the parameters for this alliance would differ from those set during the Lok Sabha elections, reflecting the unique challenges and opportunities of the state assembly polls. Karra emphasized that the restoration of statehood is of paramount importance for Congress and strongly criticized the central government for what he termed as the “unconstitutional” downgrade of J&K from statehood to a Union Territory.
In a recent interview, Karra noted that the call for a united front among secular parties opposed to the BJP’s “hegemonic attitude” is already gaining momentum. While the Congress had previously aligned with the National Conference (NC) during the Lok Sabha elections, Karra indicated that the upcoming state elections require a fresh set of discussions within the party to define new parameters for any potential alliance. The NC-Congress alliance had excluded Mehbooba Mufti’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which had accused the NC of undermining the spirit of the Gupkar alliance.
Karra, a seasoned politician with deep roots in Srinagar, joined the Congress in 2017 after leaving the PDP, where he was a vocal critic of the PDP-BJP alliance. His political career includes a significant victory in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections when he defeated National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah, marking a pivotal moment in his political journey. Karra’s appointment as J&K Congress chief comes at a crucial time, and he expressed gratitude to the party’s leadership, particularly Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, for their trust in him. With the assembly elections approaching, Karra is focused on mobilizing the party’s resources and strategies to ensure a strong performance.
Karra highlighted the positive impact of Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra in J&K, which generated considerable goodwill for the Congress. Although this goodwill did not translate into direct electoral gains during the parliamentary elections, Karra remains optimistic about the Congress’s prospects in the upcoming state elections. He believes the current political environment, the mood of the people, and the national scenario favor the Congress.
Regarding the Congress’s election agenda, Karra emphasized the party’s commitment to the full restoration of democracy in J&K, including the reinstatement of statehood and a review of laws imposed by the central government. He accused the BJP of treating J&K with a “step-motherly” attitude, using the region for electoral gains while neglecting its people’s genuine needs. Karra stressed that the restoration of statehood is the most critical issue, arguing that J&K’s demotion to a Union Territory was an unprecedented and unconstitutional act.
When asked about the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) led by former Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, Karra claimed that the people of J&K have “outrightly rejected” the party and punished it for breaking away from the Congress. Karra also expressed concern over the rising incidents of terrorism in J&K, stating that the BJP had promised that the abrogation of Article 370 would end militancy, boost development, and attract investment. However, he argued that the situation has not improved, and the BJP’s shifting narratives have only deepened the region’s challenges.
The upcoming J&K assembly elections will be a crucial test for the Congress, which aims to capitalize on the growing discontent with the BJP in the region. With the elections scheduled in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, the Congress hopes to strengthen its position, particularly in the Jammu region, where it faces a direct contest with the BJP. The National Conference and PDP, which have historically dominated the Kashmir Valley, will also play significant roles in the elections.
The Congress is set on continuing its political resurgence by challenging the BJP in key areas and working towards the restoration of J&K’s statehood. Karra’s leadership will be critical in navigating the complex political landscape of J&K and forming alliances that align with the Congress’s vision for the region.
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