Congress has decided not to join ministry: Karra

Srinagar, Oct 16: The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Chief Tariq Hameed Karra on Wednesday said that his party has been  strongly demanding restoration of  statehood to J&K.

“But the statehood has not been restored. We are unhappy therefore we are not joining the Ministry at the moment. Congress Party shall continue to fight for restoration of statehood,” he said addressing media persons here, reports KNS.

Meanwhile senior Congress leader Ghulam Ahmed Mir today reiterated that the party’s principal stand on the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the Congress will not take the oath of office until statehood is fully restored.

Mir emphasised that this position is non-negotiable and reflects the party’s commitment to the rights of the people of J&K, he spoke exclusively to KNS.

Addressing rumours suggesting discord between the Congress and its alliance partner, the National Conference (NC), over ministerial portfolios, Mir firmly dispelled such claims. "We did not contest this election for power but to restore the rights of the people. The question of ministerial posts is irrelevant at this point. Our priority remains the restoration of statehood," Mir stated.