Statehood – Congress Criticises National Conference Over J&K Strategy Differences
Statehood – A fresh disagreement has emerged within the ruling alliance in Jammu and Kashmir, as the Congress party openly criticised its partner, the National Conference (NC), over its approach to restoring statehood. The Congress leadership argued that the NC’s efforts have been inadequate and questioned its strategy of engaging with the central government without stronger public pressure.
Congress Questions NC’s Approach to Statehood
The Congress accused the National Conference of failing to mount a decisive campaign for the restoration of statehood. Senior party leader Raman Bhalla stated that merely maintaining a conciliatory tone towards the central leadership would not lead to meaningful progress. According to him, the demand for statehood requires consistent public mobilisation and firm political pressure, rather than what he described as a “soft approach.”
Bhalla also suggested that the NC’s stance risks diluting the urgency of the issue, which remains a central concern for many residents of Jammu and Kashmir.
Response to Farooq Abdullah’s Remarks
The criticism comes shortly after NC president Farooq Abdullah questioned the Congress and its allies over what he described as a lack of strong commitment to the statehood issue. In response, the Congress maintained that it has been actively raising the matter at multiple levels and has intensified its efforts following the Assembly elections.
Party leaders pointed to their continued engagement with the public, including demonstrations and outreach campaigns, as evidence of their commitment to the cause.
Congress Highlights Its Ground Campaigns
Defending its position, the Congress emphasised a series of initiatives aimed at keeping the statehood demand in focus. These included public movements such as “Hamari Riyasat Hamara Haq,” along with organised protests and marches in key locations.
The party also referred to programmes held in Srinagar and Jammu, as well as demonstrations in the national capital, where senior leaders participated in protests near Parliament. According to Congress leaders, these efforts were intended to keep the issue visible and maintain pressure on the central government.
Decision to Stay Out of Cabinet Explained
Bhalla further noted that the Congress chose not to join the Cabinet despite being part of a pre-election alliance that secured a majority. He described this decision as a strategic move to hold the central government accountable for its earlier assurances regarding statehood restoration.
He reiterated that the central government had indicated that statehood would be restored after the Assembly elections, but the delay has led to growing dissatisfaction among political stakeholders.
Criticism of NC’s Political Strategy
The Congress also raised questions about the National Conference’s own initiatives, suggesting that its efforts have lacked tangible outcomes. Bhalla referred to the party’s signature campaign, arguing that it failed to generate concrete results or sustained public engagement.
In addition, he expressed concern over recent statements from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah that praised the central leadership. According to the Congress, such remarks may weaken the broader demand for statehood by reducing the pressure on decision-makers.
Alliance Faces Strain Over Key Issue
The exchange has brought underlying tensions within the alliance into sharper focus. While both parties remain aligned in principle on the demand for restoring statehood, their methods appear to differ significantly.
The Congress is advocating for a more assertive, public-driven approach, while the National Conference seems to favour a measured engagement with the central government. This divergence in strategy has led to growing friction, raising questions about how the alliance will navigate one of the region’s most pressing political issues in the coming months.