Congress open to poll alliance with like-minded parties: Karra

Srinagar, Aug 19: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President, Tariq Hameed Karra Monday said that the Congress was open to forming alliances with like-minded political parties for the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking at the JKPCC headquarters in Srinagar upon his return from New Delhi, Karra said that regional parties like the National Conference (NC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) had already initiated discussions with the Congress’ central leadership regarding a possible pre-poll alliance.

“As far as I am aware, NC has already approached our central leadership for an alliance,” Karra said, addressing reporters.

He said that the PDP was also in contact with the Congress over similar discussions, noting that “at some level, talks have happened.”

Karra said that if the parties under the INDIA bloc agree to unite against divisive forces and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), they would likely succeed in their efforts.

However, he said that the final decision regarding any alliances would be made by a five-member committee appointed by the Congress high command to evaluate the prospects.

About reports suggesting a possible return of Ghulam Nabi Azad to the Congress, Karra dismissed the notion, calling it “a closed chapter.”

He said that Azad’s party, the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), had been “outrightly rejected” by the people, who “punished” the party for breaking away from the Congress.

Karra, who was recently appointed as the JKPCC chief, received a warm welcome at the party headquarters upon his return from the national capital.

Alongside him, the newly-appointed working presidents, Raman Bhalla and Tara Chand, were also felicitated during the event.

Senior leaders including Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Peerzada Muhammad Sayeed, Ghulam Nabi Monga, and Muhammad Anwar Bhat were present and congratulated Karra on his new role.

Addressing party workers, Karra highlighted that his primary focus would be on “harnessing and capitalising” on the momentum generated by Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra for the benefit of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

He said that this movement would play a significant role in combating what he described as the “constitutional, economic, and religious terrorism” currently facing the nation.