Won't rely on crutches: NC National Conference ally Congress to contest J&K polls solo
SRINAGAR: National Conference ally Congress said Tuesday it will contest upcoming elections in J&K independently, signalling a shift before possible assembly or local body polls.
'This time, we won't rely on crutches,' said J&K Congress president Tariq Hamid Karra at a function in Srinagar. 'Congress must be seen as a credible alternative in J&K.'
Congress backed NC in the Oct 2024 assembly elections. NC became the single largest party in the 90-member House and Congress won six seats. Congress general secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir said many in the party had objected to the alliance, but it was pursued 'in the national interest'.
'If elections are held again, whether due to dissolution of the assembly or restoration of statehood, we will contest on our own,' Mir said.
There is speculation Centre may restore statehood in coming months on the condition of holding fresh elections. Congress has criticised the delay, despite repeated promises from PM Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah.
'On the day Article 370 was abrogated, I stood up in Parliament and opposed it,' said Syed Naseer Hussain, newly appointed AICC in-charge for J&K. 'They promised statehood. Why haven't they delivered?'
Hussain drew a comparison between J&K and his native Karnataka, where large regions receive targeted development aid under with Article 371. 'That shows special constitutional provisions are not unique to J&K,' he said, adding that policy inconsistency has hurt the region. 'Once we form a govt on our own, those inconsistencies will end.'
He urged party workers to prepare for upcoming Panchayati Raj and district council polls, expected after the Amarnath Yatra (July 3 to Aug 9). 'Youths will be given fair opportunities,' Hussain said.
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