Early Times Report
Jammu, Apr 25: Infighting within the Congress in Jammu and Kashmir is set to intensify following the elevation of previously “disowned” party leader Karan Bhagat as National Coordinator of the Scheduled Caste (SC) wing, a move widely seen as emboldening dissident voices within the party.
The development comes close on the heels of another significant decision by the Congress high command, which appointed senior leader and dissident Vikar Rasool Wani as an All India Congress Committee (AICC) observer for the party’s Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan in Delhi.
On March 17, AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K. C. Venugopal named Wani as an observer for the organisational campaign in the Delhi unit, signalling continued confidence in the former Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief.
A former minister and ex-JKPCC president, Wani has emerged as a prominent critic of the current J&K Congress leadership under Tariq Hamid Karra. Sources indicate that he has been actively mobilising party leaders and workers against the incumbent leadership. His removal as JKPCC chief in August 2024, shortly after the ann Wani has emerged as a prominent critic of the current J&K Congress leadership under Tariq Hamid Karra. He has been actively mobilising party leaders and workers against the incumbent leadership.
Following his ouster, Wani launched a sharp campaign against Karra. However, instead of curbing his dissent, the
Congress high command has continued to repose faith in him. Once considered a close associate of Ghulam Nabi Azad, Wani has since been entrusted with key organisational responsibilities, including membership in the Congress Working Committee and multiple observer roles.
Meanwhile, Teena Choudhary, AICC National Coordinator of the SC wing, defended Bhagat’s elevation, stating that his promotion reflects the party leadership’s recognition of his work.
“After acknowledging his good work as chairman of the SC wing of the party in J&K, Karan Bhagat has been promoted by assigning him an important role at the national level,” she said.
“The promotion of Karan Bhagat as National Coordinator indicates that the Congress leadership always encourages and elevates dedicated and committed workers,” Choudhary added, expressing hope that Bhagat would continue to contribute with greater dedication in the days ahead. | 