Sandeep Bhat
Early Times Report
Jammu, Nov 14: Amid reports of growing unease within the Congress over its alliance with the National Conference (NC) in Jammu and Kashmir, the party’s central leadership held an important meeting in Delhi on Thursday — just hours ahead of the counting of votes for the Bihar Assembly elections and two J&K bypolls scheduled for Friday.
The meeting was chaired by AICC general in charge J&K Dr. Syed Nasser Hussain and attended by J&K Congress chief Tariq Hameed Kara, CLP leader G H Mir, AICC secretaries Pargat Singh and Divya Maderna
A senior Congress leader said the Congress will take a “decisive call” on the future of its alliance with the NC only after assessing the outcome of the Bihar polls. “The Bihar results will influence coalition equations across states, including Jammu and Kashmir,” a senior strategist said. “Once the picture becomes clear, the party will review its partnership with the NC in light of the national scenario.”
The alliance between the Congress and NC — both key constituents of the INDIA bloc — has faced strain since the NC unilaterally announced its four candidates for the Rajya Sabha seats. Still, the Congress appears determined to avoid an open confrontation for now.
“We do not hand over a walkover to the BJP,” said a senior Congress functionary . “Our participation and voting in Rajya Sabha polls were essential to uphold the alliance’s political message and maintain opposition unity.” |
