Backdoor channels active for stitching pre-poll alliance with NC: Ahmad Mir

Srinagar, Aug 22: General Secretary All India Congress Committee (AICC) and former JKPCC chief Ghulam Ahmad Mir Thursday said that backdoor channels have been activated for stitching pre-poll alliance with National Conference (NC) to keep BJP at the bay.

Talking to reporters amid Rahul Gandhi’s Kashmir visit ahead of Assembly elections in J&K, Mir as per Greater Kashmir said that from last two-three days backdoor channels are active who are approaching National Conference (NC) for pre-poll alliance. He said the aim of the endeavour is to explore possibilities and set modalities for the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir.

On being asked about the motto of visit by Leader of Opposition (LOP) Rahul Gandhi to J&K, the Congress senior leader said, “This was Rahul Ji’s wish to visit Jammu and Kashmir and meet grassroots level workers and get feedback from them about stitching pre-poll alliance (if required) with regional political parties ahead of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir”.

“Be it the party of union level or regional level of INDIA alliance, Congress is ready to go for pre-poll alliance for the larger interest of Jammu & Kashmir,” Mir added.

He said Congress party is the first political outfit who took stand on the decisions taken on August 05, 2019 by New Delhi. “We have already clarified in our Working Committee resolution that Congress party will continue its fight for restoration of Statehood to J&K, safeguarding of resources, protection of jobs designed since Maharaja Hari Singh,” he maintained.

When asked whether Congress party is approaching Ghulam Nabi Azad ahead of Assembly polls in J&K, he said whosoever toe the line of Congress party is always welcomed. “Congress is the only party who is fighting against the ideology of BJP & Jana Sangh. We have said be it any central, regional party or an individual, if they are ready to toe the line of Congress they are welcomed and we are ready to work with them,” he said.

“Whoever comes with this idea the platform of Congress is open for them,” Mir added.