 Early Times Report
Jammu, Dec 2: The Congress Party’s ambitious plan to overhaul its organisational structure in Jammu and Kashmir under the Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan has run into unexpected turbulence, with protests and factional clashes erupting across multiple districts from the very first day.
What began as a routine organisational exercise quickly spiralled into a series of confrontations. After chaotic scenes unfolded at the party headquarters on Residency Road in Jammu on November 26—where supporters of two senior leaders clashed inside the premises—similar protests spread to various parts of the region.
According to reports, Congress workers staged demonstrations in Chhamb, Bishnah, and several other places, accusing the party leadership of attempting to “impose” district-level leaders on them instead of allowing democratic consultation. Several workers claimed that loyal grassroots members were being ignored in favour of those with proximity to influential leaders.
As earlier reported, the inaugural meeting of an All India Congress Committee (AICC) observer in Jammu turned disorderly, with rival factions engaging in heated arguments, sloganeering, and even physical altercations. What should have been a preliminary interaction devolved into chaos within minutes, exposing deep-seated What began as a routine organisational exercise quickly spiralled into a series of confrontations.
After chaotic scenes unfolded at the party headquarters on November 26, similar protests spread to various parts of the region.
The Congress workers staged demonstrations in Chhamb, Bishnah, and several other places.
They accused the party leadership of attempting to “impose” district-level leaders on them instead of allowing democratic consultation.
In an effort to rebuild the party from the ground up, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, in consultation with J&K in-charge Syed Naseer Hussain, has appointed 21 observers for the 21 organisational districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Their mandate is to identify and recommend suitable candidates for the post of district presidents as part of the party’s structural reformation mission.
However, the introductory meeting for the Jammu Rural district, chaired by national observer and former Chhattisgarh minister Mohan Markam, witnessed unprecedented scenes. Workers aligned with two prominent leaders exchanged blows, pushed and shoved each other, and raised slogans against perceived favouritism—forcing the proceedings to halt repeatedly.
The fresh spate of disruptions has raised concerns within the party high command about the depth of internal divisions at a time when the Congress is attempting to project unity and rebuild its organisational presence in the Union Territory.
Party insiders say more observers are expected to visit Jammu and Kashmir in the coming days, but the unrest has already cast a shadow over the Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan, making it clear that the Congress faces an uphill task in restoring discipline and cohesion at the grassroots level. | 