 Sandeep Bhat
Jammu, June 15: The Congress party is reportedly re-evaluating its position in the National Conference-led government in Jammu and Kashmir, following the withdrawal of support by the lone Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA, Mehraj Malik. Sources within the party suggest that the Congress leadership is increasingly dissatisfied with the National Conference for not honoring the spirit of the post-poll alliance between the two parties.
The Congress, which extended support to the NC in forming the government after the recent assembly elections, feels sidelined in governance and decision-making processes. Despite being an ally, the party has not been given any substantial role in the administration, appointments, or policy consultations—an issue that has irked senior Congress leaders both in the state and at the central level.
According to insiders, the party high command is now seriously considering adopting a more assertive stance. With the NC already facing embarrassment over Mehraj Malik’s withdrawal of support, the Congress sees an opportunity to demand its due p The Congress leadership is increasingly dissatisfied with the NC for not honoring the spirit of the post-poll alliance between the two parties.
Despite being an ally, the Congress has not been given any substantial role in the administration, appointments, or policy consultations.
The party high command is now seriously considering adopting a more assertive stance.
With the NC already facing embarrassment over Mehraj Malik’s withdrawal of support, the Congress sees an opportunity to demand its due political space within the coalition setup.
“The Congress supported the NC in the interest of political stability and democratic governance in the Union Territory. However, it cannot be treated as a silent spectator,” said a senior Congress leader, requesting anonymity. “The alliance was based on mutual respect and cooperation. If that is not honoured, we will have to rethink our position.”
The withdrawal of support by the AAP MLA has already weakened the NC’s numerical comfort, and any friction with the Congress could push the government into a more precarious situation. Political analysts believe that Congress may use this moment to bargain hard, especially as local body and panchayat elections approach.
With political dynamics shifting rapidly, all eyes are now on the next move by the Congress leadership—whether it chooses confrontation, negotiation, or a calibrated show of strength within the alliance. | 