Open to alliance with parties opposing BJP’s dictatorial attitude: Karra

Assembly platform to fight for people’s rights: Mir

Irfan Tramboo

Srinagar, Aug 19: Newly appointed Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President, Tariq Hameed Karra, today stated that for the upcoming Assembly elections, the party is open to forming alliances with like-minded parties that oppose the “dictatorial” attitude of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

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Speaking to the media after addressing party leaders and workers who had gathered to welcome him at the party headquarters following his appointment as JKPCC president, Karra mentioned that a committee has been formed to set parameters for potential alliances.
“We are open to all like-minded parties that stand against the hegemony and dictatorial attitude of the BJP. To facilitate this, we have formed a committee that will establish parameters to ensure that the interests of the people of J&K and the Indian National Congress are safeguarded,” he said.
Karra further informed that the committee, which includes himself, G A Mir, Tara Chand, Raman Bhalla and Vikar Rasool Wani, is tasked with outlining these parameters and engaging with other like-minded parties.
“The committee will deliberate, establish parameters and engage with other like-minded parties, but only after thorough consideration,” he added.
When asked about Omar Abdullah’s remarks regarding the bleak chances of an alliance with Congress, Karra responded, “It may be a no from them, for their own reasons, but we are confident that if they align with the idea of sidelining the BJP-which is the foundation of the INDI Alliance-then we will definitely succeed.”
Karra also noted that the National Conference (NC) has already approached Congress’ Central leadership for an alliance, and talks with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have also been held.
The JKPCC president emphasized that after Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ reached J&K, there has been a noticeable “feel-good factor” on the ground. He stressed that the party’s J&K team will work to capitalize on this sentiment.
“The team will work to channelize, synchronize and capitalize on this factor in the interest of the people of J&K; our responsibility will be to address issues such as social, constitutional, religious, or regional distress,” he said.
Earlier, while addressing the gathering of workers and party leaders, Karra acknowledged the numerous challenges ahead, noting that due to time constraints, the first priority is preparation for the Assembly elections.
Senior Congress leader and AICC general secretary, Ghulam Ahmed Mir, spoke about the party’s readiness to contest all 90 Assembly constituencies in J&K, emphasizing the need for a greater alliance to fight for the rights of the people of J&K.
“Those who oppose the BJP’s policies, our doors are open for them so that we can form a greater alliance to fight for the rights of the people of J&K. This is a battle that goes beyond merely having a Chief Minister,” he said.
Mir added that this fight is for the restoration of the rights and identity of J&K, “which have been taken away by the BJP, and the Assembly will be the platform to achieve this.”
He urged like-minded individuals to join the cause to “defeat the forces that have been committing excesses.”