Sandeep Bhat
Jammu, June 16: The Jammu and Kashmir Congress’s campaign, launched to counter the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) nationwide Tiranga Yatra with its Jai Hind Sabha and Jai Hind Yatra, is faltering due to persistent infighting and factionalism within the party.
Despite the appointment of Tariq Hamid Karra as the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief in August 2024, internal divisions continue to undermine the party’s efforts to present a united front.
In response to the BJP’s Tiranga Yatra, launched on May 13 to highlight Operation Sindoor’s success and promote nationalism, the Congress announced its Jai Hind Sabha and Jai Hind Yatra from May 20 to May 30 across the Union Territory.
JKPCC chief Tariq Hamid Karra accused the BJP of politicizing the military operation, stating, “Operation Sindoor was a joint effort of our armed forces, not a BJP campaign. Their Tiranga Yatra insults our soldiers’ valour.” The Congress’s events aimed to honor the armed forces while raising questions about the BJP’s handling of the Pahalgam attack and the subsequent ceasefire, allegedly influenced by U.S. intervention.
However, the Congress’s campaign has been marred by internal discord, with several factions refusing to participate, weakening its outreach and impact.
Karra, a veteran leader and former MP appointed to rejuvenate the J&K Congre J&K Congress’s campaign, launched to counter BJP’s nationwide Tiranga Yatra with its Jai Hind Sabha and Jai Hind Yatra, is faltering due to persistent infighting and factionalism within the party.
Despite the appointment of Tariq Hamid Karra as the JKPCC Chief in August 2024, internal divisions continue to undermine the party’s efforts to present a united front.
A senior Congress leader, speaking anonymously, said, “The Jai Hind Yatra was meant to unify us against the BJP, but factional leaders are holding separate meetings and skipping rallies. This sends a message of disarray to our cadre and voters.”
The infighting has significantly diluted the Congress’s ability to challenge the BJP’s narrative. While the BJP’s Tiranga Yatra, backed by high-profile leaders and extensive social media campaigns, has drawn large crowds, the Congress’s Jai Hind Yatra has struggled to gain traction.
Karra’s efforts to highlight local issues, such as inadequate bunkers and compensation for border residents affected by Pakistani shelling, have been undermined by the party’s disunity. Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Poonch, intended to boost the campaign, received positive local feedback but failed to galvanize the party’s internal factions. |
