Congress MLAs defer CLP leader’s nomination

Srinagar, Oct 11: The J&K Congress Friday said that it had left the decision of nominating its leader for the legislature party in the newly formed assembly to the central leadership of the party in New Delhi.

Meanwhile, the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) extended support to the National Conference (NC) for government formation in J&K.

Addressing media persons after the CLP meeting, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Tariq Hameed Karra said, “We unanimously decided to leave the decision on the CLP leader to our central leadership. A resolution was passed and forwarded to them for consideration.”

The CLP meeting was held at the party’s headquarters at M A Road in Srinagar and included the six newly-elected Congress MLAs: Karra, All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Nizamuddin Bhat, Peerzada Muhammad Syed, Irfan Hafeez Lone, and Iftikhar Ahmad.

Karra also confirmed that Congress had pledged its support to the NC for government formation, with a formal letter of support to be handed over to the NC leadership by the end of the day.

On why the decision on the CLP leader was referred to the party high command, Karra said that it was a common practice in the Congress.

“There is a precedent within the Congress to defer such decisions to the central leadership. This is not an unusual process,” he said.

Regarding any conditions of supporting the NC, Karra clarified that the Congress had not made any demands.

He emphasised that the decision was rooted in the unity of the INDIA bloc, which is aimed at a greater national cause for the welfare of the people.

About the NC’s majority in the assembly, bolstered by the support of independent candidates, Karra said the alliance’s purpose extended beyond mere numbers.

“The spirit of the alliance is bigger than just forming a government. It is about the larger pan-India battle against the BJP,” he said.

Responding to a query on whether the Congress accepted NC leader Omar Abdullah, who had been elected as the legislature party leader of his party, as the chief ministerial candidate, Karra affirmed the Congress’s support.

“When the NC has already chosen its leader, there is no need for us to comment further. Omar Abdullah is acceptable to us,” he said.