 Early Times Report
Jammu, Mar 19: The appointment of Vikar Rasool Wani as an All India Congress Committee (AICC) observer for the party’s Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan in Delhi is being seen as a clear signal that the Congress high command is backing leaders who have openly challenged the incumbent Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president, Tariq Hamid Karra.
On March 17, the AICC general secretary (organization) K C Venugopal appointed Vikar Rasool Wani as AICC observer for the party’s Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan in the Delhi unit of the party.
A former JKPCC chief and ex-minister, Wani has emerged as a prominent critic of Karra and is reportedly mobilising party leaders and workers against the current leadership in Jammu and Kashmir. His removal as JKPCC president in August 2024, shortly after the announcement of Assembly elections, marked a turning point in the party’s internal dynamics. He was subsequently replaced by Karra.
Soon after his ouster, Wani launched an aggressive campaign against Karra. However, instead of restraining him, the Congress high command appears to have continued placing its confidence in Wani. Once known as a close associate of Ghulam Nabi Azad, Wani has since been entrusted with key organisational responsibilities, including membership i "The Congress high command seems to be pursuing a balancing strategy by giving space and visibility to both rival factions in an effort to prevent further escalation of internal discord."
With his latest assignment in Delhi, this marks the fourth state where Wani has been appointed as an AICC observer for the crucial Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan, underlining the leadership’s continued reliance on him.
As reported earlier, the Congress high command seems to be pursuing a balancing strategy by giving space and visibility to both rival factions in an effort to prevent further escalation of internal discord.
During his visit to Jammu and Kashmir in January this year, AICC General Secretary and in-charge of the Union Territory, Syed Naseer Hussain, reportedly ensured the inclusion and active participation of senior leaders known to be critical of Karra.
Party insiders indicated that special emphasis was placed on the involvement of Wani, who is widely regarded as a key figure in the anti-Karra camp. Sources added that Hussain made it a point to include Wani in all major meetings and public programmes during the visit, signalling the high command’s intent to maintain internal equilibrium.
It is pertinent to note that Karra’s appointment as JKPCC president in August 2024, replacing Wani, had triggered dissatisfaction among a section of party leaders and led to visible factional divisions within the organisation. | 