Jammu

Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra has denied rumours of any rift with the ruling National Conference (NC), reaffirming that the Congress remains an integral part of the NC-led government in the region.

Addressing the ongoing speculation, Karra emphasised that both the NC and the Congress are united in their fight for the restoration of statehood to J&K. He added that while the Congress supports this cause, it continues to raise public concerns with the government whenever necessary.

“We raise these issues for redressal with the government. Since we are a part of the government, we can advise and raise the issues of the people,” he said.

Karra also revealed that a coordination committee between Congress and NC members would soon be formed to clear any misgivings and streamline the working relationship between the two parties.

On February 13, Congress launched a 15-day campaign in the Jammu region demanding the immediate restoration of statehood, which included organising workers' conventions in five districts.

While he stressed that the restoration of statehood was not just a core issue for Congress, Karra acknowledged its significance for the people of J&K. “Despite promises made by PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, nothing has happened so far. Despite the massive mandate in the Jammu division, the BJP leaders are silent. They should tell the people why they are not pressing for restoration of statehood,” he said.

Karra also pointed out that despite the formation of the popular NC-led government in October last year, many bureaucrats continue to function in an authoritarian manner, similar to the approach during the Lieutenant Governor's administration.

He further claimed that democracy had not been truly restored in J&K, despite official assertions to the contrary. “On one hand, BJP is claiming that the situation has improved in J&K, but on the other hand, there is a mindset that portrays that democracy has not been restored,” he said.

The Congress leader also called for the immediate redressal of pressing issues such as inadequate electricity and water supply, tourism promotion, employment generation, and the regularization of daily-wage workers and Special Police Officers (SPOs).

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Defending his son’s attendance at an official meeting chaired by Health and Education Minister Sakina Itoo in Srinagar, Karra explained, “I was away in Jammu and accordingly nominated my son as constituency in-charge. This has been the precedent and it is not happening for the first time.”

Amid these developments, reports suggest a growing distance between former Congress chief Vikar Rasool Wani and his supporters from party activities led by Tariq Hameed Karra.