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| Statehood tussle strains NC-Cong ties | | Deputy Speaker post unlikely for ally | |  Sanjay Pandita
Early Times Report
Jammu, Aug 12: Despite former Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) president Dr. Farooq Abdullah attending the much-publicised dinner hosted by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, tensions appear to be brewing within the ruling coalition in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to sources, the National Conference leadership is displeased with the Congress party's unilateral move to launch an aggressive campaign demanding the restoration of J&K’s statehood — a decision reportedly taken without consulting the coalition leadership.
The Congress has recently intensified its statehood movement across various parts of Jammu and Kashmir and also staged a protest in Delhi, which sources say has further strained ties with the NC.
“There’s growing unease within the National Conference ranks. Many believe the Congress’s actions are undermining the cohesion of the alliance,” a senior source said.
“Some NC leaders feel that the coalition already enjoys a working and comfortable majority in the Assembly with the support of several Independent MLAs, so there is no pressing need to concede significant positions like the Deputy Speaker’s post to the Congress.”
Party insiders suggest that although symbolic unity was displayed through Dr. Farooq Abdullah’s presence at Rahul Gandhi’s dinner, real political coordination between the two parties appears to be weakening. The National Conference is reportedly reviewing its alliance dynamics and may withhold key posts from the Congress going forward.
As reported earlier, the NC-led government, which took office on October 16, 2024, has yet to announce the name of the Deputy Speaker.
“The Deputy Speaker’s position is crucial for the smooth functioning of the Assembly. It is a well-established precedent that the post goes to the principal opposition party, and since the BJP holds that position, we expect the government to make the appointment without further delay,” a senior BJP leader recently told Early Times on condition of anonymity.
Despite mounting pressure, the Omar Abdullah government has not issued any official statement regarding the delay. Political analysts believe the ruling party is carefully considering its options, given the complex political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. |
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