Early Times Report
Jammu, May 12: Internal dissent within the Jammu and Kashmir Congress has sharpened just days after Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra appointed district coordinators and observers for the party’s 21 organisational districts across the Union Territory. Senior dissident leader Mohammad Anwar Bhat has openly criticised the move, alleging that several “outsiders and recent entrants” have been accommodated at the expense of long-serving and committed party workers. “Many outsiders have been rehabilitated as district coordinators and observers at the cost of dedicated and genuine party workers,” Bhat told reporters. He alleged that individuals who joined the Congress only a few months ago were given important organisational responsibilities, while workers who have served the party with loyalty and dedication for decades were ignored.
Bhat also targeted Syed Naseer Hussain, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary in-charge for Jammu and Kashmir, accusing him of promoting defectors and newcomers over seasoned party cadres.
“Dr Hussain, who himself has not won even a Panchayat election in his own state, is managing affairs in Jammu and Kashmir,” Bhat remarked.
Referring to the Congress party’s Pachmarhi Session, Bhat said the party had adopted a five-year cooling-off period for returning members before they could be entrusted with significant organisational responsibilities. He questioned why that principle was allegedly ignored in the latest appointments.
On May 7, Karra announced “Many outsiders have been rehabilitated as district coordinators and observers at the cost of dedicated and genuine party workers."
According to highly placed party sources, the appointments are being viewed as an effort by Karra to consolidate his support base within the organisation amid growing speculation about a possible reshuffle in the JKPCC.
“District observers and coordinators were already functioning in most districts. The latest exercise was largely aimed at adjustments and fresh appointments to accommodate leaders close to the present leadership,” a senior Congress leader said on condition of anonymity.
Sources said the move has assumed significance because the Congress high command is reportedly considering changes in the party’s organisational structure in Jammu and Kashmir following the conclusion of Assembly elections in four states and one Union Territory.
The Congress unit in Jammu and Kashmir has been witnessing persistent factionalism for several months, with a section of senior leaders openly expressing dissatisfaction over the functioning of the current JKPCC leadership.
Party insiders said the central leadership had earlier planned a comprehensive reorganisation of the J&K Congress to address internal discord and strengthen the party ahead of future political challenges, but the exercise was postponed due to Assembly elections held in other parts of the country. | 