Congress Strategizes for Respectable Alliance Ahead of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Polls

The Congress is open to forming a 'respectable alliance' with like-minded parties for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls, with different alliance parameters from the Lok Sabha elections, according to the newly-appointed Jammu and Kashmir chief, Tariq Hameed Karra. Restoration of statehood remains a key issue for the party.

In a significant political development, the Congress has expressed its readiness to build a 'respectable alliance' with like-minded parties for the forthcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. This strategic move, highlighted by newly-appointed state chief Tariq Hameed Karra, seeks to counter the 'hegemonic attitude' of the BJP. According to Karra, the alliance's parameters will differ from those of the Lok Sabha elections.

Addressing the core issues at a recent interview with PTI, Karra emphasized the 'paramount' importance of restoring statehood and accused the Centre of relegating the state to a Union Territory in an 'unconstitutional' manner. He highlighted the Congress's agenda to restore full democracy and review enforced laws as part of the election campaign.

Karra criticized former Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad's Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), claiming it was 'outrightly rejected' by the people. He cited the public's dissatisfaction with the BJP's handling of Jammu and Kashmir, pointing to a rise in terrorism and a 'step-motherly' attitude towards the region. The Congress aims for unity among secular parties to challenge BJP's dominance in the upcoming elections.