Congress-NC Alliance Reflects People’s Will to Fight BJP’s Divisive Policies, Says J&K Congress Chief Karra
RAJOURI/JAMMU, Sep 17: Jammu and Kashmir Congress president Tariq Hameed Karra, on Tuesday, reaffirmed that the pre-poll alliance between the Congress and the National Conference (NC) for the upcoming assembly elections reflects the people’s strong desire to combat the BJP’s “divisive policies” and “dangerous designs.” His statement came in response to criticism from the BJP over the alliance, as Karra emphasized that this coalition is about safeguarding the identity and constitutional rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, rather than just about forming a government.
During his visit to the Thanamandi assembly segment in Rajouri district, Karra, a former Union Minister and Lok Sabha MP, dismissed the BJP’s claims of forming the next government in J&K as mere rhetoric (“jumla”). He accused the BJP of undermining democracy by fielding proxy candidates in the Kashmir Valley, fully aware that the party cannot secure victory in the region on its own name.
Karra underscored that the alliance between the Congress and NC is rooted in the people’s demand for unity against the BJP’s divisive agenda. He highlighted that every party contests elections on its own manifesto, and even in a coalition, the partners present their respective agendas. Karra pointed out that the BJP did not object to the NC when they were allies in 2001-02, but now finds fault with them for aligning with the Congress.
“This is not merely a seat-sharing arrangement or a political convenience; it is a people’s alliance, aimed at protecting Jammu and Kashmir from the BJP’s dangerous designs,” Karra said. He emphasized that the upcoming election is not about routine issues like infrastructure or utilities but about the preservation of communal harmony among Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs, as well as the restoration of the constitutional rights taken away from the people of J&K.
Addressing the BJP’s claim of forming the government with support from 10 independents in Kashmir, Karra said, “This is another hollow promise. It is sad to see the BJP take democracy to its funeral by manipulating elections through proxies. They cannot win a single seat in Kashmir under their own banner, which is why they are relying on independents.”
Karra also responded to recent remarks by Vikar Rasool Wani, former PCC president, who had criticized the NC leadership. He clarified that Wani’s remarks were made in a personal capacity and that the Congress party had immediately taken disciplinary action, issuing a notice to Wani and disassociating the party from his comments. “As president of the Congress in J&K, I regret his statement and reaffirm the party’s commitment to the alliance with NC,” he added.
Touching on the release of Awami Ittehad Party president Engineer Rashid from Tihar jail on interim bail for campaigning, Karra stated that everyone has the right to contest elections under the Constitution. However, he criticized the disproportionate media attention Rashid was receiving compared to other candidates, saying, “There are many professionals contesting, but for some reason, this engineer is getting an out-of-proportion focus.”
Karra concluded by expressing optimism for the Congress-NC alliance in the elections, stating that his party’s mission is positive and focused on alleviating the sufferings of the people. He vowed to end the atmosphere of fear in J&K, ensuring that citizens can freely express their opinions without repression. During his visit to Thanamandi, Karra also welcomed back several leaders from the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) who had rejoined the Congress, and he paid his respects at the revered shrine of Sharda Sharief.
