Uttarakhand CM Accuses Congress-NC Alliance of Promoting Terrorism Ahead of J-K Elections

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has slammed the Congress-National Conference alliance in Jammu and Kashmir, accusing them of fostering terrorism and separatism. Dhami questioned the alliance's stance on issues including Article 370, cross-border trade, and plans to rename local landmarks. Assembly elections will occur in three phases.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has targeted the pre-poll alliance between the National Conference (NC) and Congress for the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir (J-K). Speaking on Saturday, Dhami accused NC of fostering terrorism and 'jihad,' and stated that the Congress's intentions have now become clear to the public.

Dhami criticized the Congress for forming an alliance with the NC, accusing the party of repeatedly compromising the security, unity, and integrity of the country in its pursuit of power. 'The National Conference has continuously pushed Kashmir backwards for three decades. This party promoted separatism and divisive forces in Kashmir. National Conference has nurtured terrorism and jihad; the intentions of Congress have become clear to the public that it wants to throw Kashmir into the fire of violence by allying with them,' he said.

Dhami further questioned the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, on whether his party supports the promise of a 'separate flag' with the National Conference. He asked if the Congress wants to push Kashmir back into an era of terrorism and separatism, and whether they agree with NC's decision to resume trade with Pakistan, which could potentially boost cross-border terrorism. He also questioned their stance on NC's agenda to reintroduce Article 370 and to rename prominent places in J-K with Islamic names.

According to Dhami, the National Conference has pitched for a dialogue between India and Pakistan in its manifesto. The assembly elections in J-K will be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, with results announced on October 4. The Congress and NC previously fought the Lok Sabha elections in alliance, where NC secured two seats but Congress did not win any. A total of 90 assembly constituencies will be contested in the upcoming polls. The last assembly election in J-K took place in 2014. (ANI)