'Depends on LG': Congress' Tariq Karra on date of oath ceremony in J-K

Srinagar, Oct 11: After formally extending support to the National Conference for forming the government in Jammu and Kashmir, Congress leader Tariq Hameed Karra said on Friday that the date of government formation depends on Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha.

The Congress formally extended its backing to the National Conference for forming the government in Jammu and Kashmir by giving a letter of support.

Speaking to ANI, Tariq Hameed Karra said, "We have given the letter of support to Omar Abdullah and he will meet the Lieutenant Governor (LG) and will stake claim to form the government. We are looking forward to the date of Monday, October 14, but it depends on the LG what date he gives."

Reacting to the speculations that several leaders of the INDIA alliance will come forward to join the swearing-in ceremony of the Chief Minister designate, Karra said that it will be joyous moment if entire INDIA alliance comes there.

He said, "We will be happy if entire INDIA alliance comes here, it will be very prestigious swearing-in ceremony, it is something beyond the seat-sharing arrangement and governance, we have been in the alliance for a bigger cause, much above from seat-sharing, other causes. So, it would be an honour if they come and join the swearing-in ceremony."

Karra further dismissed the speculations of getting any cabinet portfoilio in the upcoming government, saying that the idea of the INDIA alliance has a "bigger cause to fight out", hence there is no consideration for ministries.

"That is not the idea of the INDIA alliance, we have a bigger cause to fight out, so, there is no consideration," Karra asserted.

Congress held meeting of its legislature party here and authorised the party's central leadership to elect CLP leader.

National Conference-Congress alliance has come to power in Jammu and Kashmir in the assembly polls. The alliance won 48 seats with NC carrying the alliance to power on its shoulders as Congress could win only six seats. Ninety assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir assembly went to the polls in three-phased election.

The letter of support by Congress will pave the way for National Conference staking claim to form government in Jammu and Kashmir. It will be the first elected government in Jammu and Kashmir after abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of state into two union territories.

Omar Abdullah, who has been elected as Leader of National Conference, said that whenever a government is formed in Jammu and Kashmir, it should pass a resolution and begin talks with the union government to restore Jammu and Kashmir's statehood.

He further emphasized that they would make every effort to work harmoniously with the Lieutenant Governor (LG) for the benefit of the people.