 Early Times Report
Jammu, Feb 20: The removal of Bharatsinh Solanki as the in-charge of the Jammu and Kashmir Congress is expected to intensify demands for action against party leaders accused of financial irregularities during the 2023 Bharat Jodo Yatra.
According to highly placed sources, several party leaders are preparing to send fresh reminders to the high command, urging further investigation into the alleged financial mismanagement during the Yatra. Reports suggest that Solanki had been facing accusations of shielding certain leaders allegedly involved in misappropriating funds.
As previously reported, the Congress high command had discreetly initiated an internal probe into financial irregularities after concerns were raised about the misuse of substantial funds allocated for the Yatra. The investigation began in August 2024 but was halted following the announcement of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections.
Sources within the party claim that evidence of financial fraud by some leaders was established, but no action was taken due to interference from influential national leaders who allegedly protected those involved. “Apart from some local leaders, a couple of senior national figures were also implicated in the financial misconduct,” a Congress insider revealed.
During the concluding phase of the Bharat Jodo Yat Congress leaders are expected to seek action against party leaders accused of financial irregularities.
Several party leaders are preparing to send fresh reminders to the high command.
Solanki had been facing accusations of shielding certain leaders allegedly involved in misappropriating funds.
The Congress high command had discreetly initiated an internal probe into financial irregularities after concerns were raised about the misuse.
Sources indicate that the high command had sanctioned substantial funds for the Yatra’s final leg in J&K. However, those responsible for financial oversight failed to provide detailed expenditure reports. Allegations have now surfaced that senior leaders siphoned off Yatra funds. Adding to the controversy, private agencies hired by the Congress party’s protocol department remain unpaid despite funds being allocated. Three months after the Yatra, a Haryana-based businessman accused the party of non-payment for branding services in northern states, including J&K. The businessman was only compensated after media intervention.
Sources claim that financial control was limited to a select group within the party, leaving other leaders and workers in the dark about the total funds allocated and utilized. Some leaders who spent their personal money during the Yatra are still awaiting reimbursement. Growing demands within the party call for complete transparency in fund utilization during the Yatra’s stay in J&K. | 