SRINAGAR, OCT 11: Jammu & Kashmir Congress President Tariq Hameed Karra announced today that the central leadership of the Congress will decide on the leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) in the Union Territory. The decision comes as the party extends its support to the National Conference (NC) for government formation.
Speaking at a press conference at the party headquarters in Srinagar, Karra stated, “We have unanimously decided to grant authority to the central leadership to choose our leader in Jammu & Kashmir.” He confirmed that the Congress has submitted a letter of support to the NC, a key step in the process of forming a coalition government.
When asked about the Congress’s demands from the NC, Karra made it clear that the party had no specific conditions. “We have no particular demands. Keeping the spirit of the INDIA alliance alive, we are extending our support to the NC,” he said, stressing the importance of collaborative governance.
He added that the Congress would engage in formal discussions with the NC and await the outcome. “We will first have an official discussion with NC and wait for the outcome,” Karra said, hinting at future dialogue between the coalition partners.
The J&K Congress chief also emphasized that the party’s goal is to address the larger issues facing the country, particularly those stemming from the BJP’s policies. “Our motive is to combat the menace of BJP and its hate politics that have been prevalent in the country,” Karra asserted.
Earlier, Karra noted that a resolution would be sent to the party’s high command in New Delhi. “We have six members, and the party high command will decide the roles within the coalition government with the National Conference,” he said.
Meanwhile, National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah, who has been elected as the legislature party leader by newly elected assembly members of the NC, said they were awaiting Congress’s letter of support. Once the letter is received, Abdullah and other party leaders plan to meet Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha to stake their claim for government formation.
The NC and Congress had entered into a pre-poll alliance for the assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir. The NC secured 42 seats, while the Congress won six. In addition, four independent candidates have extended their support to the NC, strengthening the coalition’s position in forming the new government in the Union Territory.
