Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, July 14: Setting aside factionalism and making fresh efforts of sinking ‘differences’, majority of the Congress leaders from both the factions put a united face by sharing the single platform during a large rally here today, sending a clear message to the opponents that Congress was still very strong and is all set to lead in the Assembly elections 2014.
Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and newly appointed in charge Congress affairs, J&K State , AICC general secretary Ambika Soni were supposed to address the rally organized by District Congress Committee Jammu (Urban). However, they could not make it to the party function due to some engagements in the Union Capital. Majority of the party functionaries and workers were expecting the arrival of these leaders at the function.
Today’s Congress rally had great significance for the party cadre as not only the leaders and party functionaries from both- Azad and Soz factions but the rebel candidates from the party, who had contested last Assembly elections against official candidates, were also seen sharing the platform. While some of the party leaders, during their address stressed for greater unity within the party leaving side the ‘petty differences’ before polls, many of them complained that Congress was suffering in coalition as it has been lacking behind its partner in fulfilling the aspirations of the people and covering points mentioned in its election manifesto.
Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand who shared the dais with Prof Soz admitted that it (unity) should have been happened much earlier. “Der Aaye, Darust Aaye. It is never late to mend.” Honestly admitting but downplaying, he further maintained “Groupism existed but it was just difference of opinion which is healthy sign in any democracy. Due to this ideology, the Congress is a largest and strongest party in the country,” the DyCM maintained.
Though many leaders from one faction were present, yet MoS Cooperatives and Finance Dr Manohar Lal and former ministers G S Charak, GM Saroori Jugal Kishore were found missing in the function.
Apparently, the PCC president and even the party ministers also came under ‘mild attack’ from their own party functionaries during their speeches, who alleged that Congress was suffering in coalition as many of its points of manifesto are being not taken care of by the other coalition partner and it was the responsibility of the Prof Soz being chairman of the Coordination Committee of the coalition partners.
They further alleged that the issues like Block Development Council and Local Bodies elections and 73rd & 74th amendments to the Panchayati Raj Act have not been addressed and the Congress cadre was feeling let down. The people from Jammu region and Congress workers in particular have high hopes and their aspirations are being ignored.
It was also alleged by some middle rung leaders that Congress workers were not getting respect or attention from own ministers and there was resentment. Many of them favoured to go for elections at its own, without having trucks with any party.
Even the Member Parliament Madan Lal hinted at facing problem by the party in Jammu region in coming polls if the aspirations of the people from this region were further ignored. He warned to fulfill the commitments made with the people during previous elections or face the public wrath. Mr Sharma also referred to the major commitments of the party like amendments in Panchayati Raj Act, BDC/ Local bodies polls and also suggested to provide tickets only to the potential candidates and ensure discipline strictly within the party.
While talking to reporters on the factionalism in the Congress party Prof Soz maintained that he never took notice of factionalism. Even, never promoted it. He said in every rally all the leaders and functionaries are invited as matter of routine practice and this time also it happened so. Commenting on the upcoming elections in the State and party’s prospects to form Government independently or in alliance with one of the regional parties, the PCC president said, “What is in Congress Party’s interest we will take that decision.”
When asked about empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions and holding of BDC and Local Bodies elections and the party’s commitment in this regard, Prof Soz said, “We are in the process, it will happen.” He hoped that it may happen before the coming elections. He said the Congress also passed a resolution to in the rally on firmly seeking early elections to the Block Development Councils, District Development Planning Boards and Local Bodies polls. “We are working in this direction and I believe it will be done. The Coordination Committee is discussing the issue and it will move to the cabinet soon, Prof Soz maintained.
On Armed Forces Special Powers Act, Prof Soz said it was the temporary law and it has to go. But it will happen by way of consultation with all the stake holders including security forces and other agencies. And if this process is complete I will welcome it. If the Union Home Minister and Defence Minister agree, I will agree with them,” he added.
On being asked about the prospects of the party in coming elections, Prof Soz said it would be exaggeration to say that Congress will form Government at its own. But it is sure that Congress will emerge as largest party and lead in the coming Assembly elections.
Minister for Tourism G A Mir said that no Government can be formed in the State without the help of Congress Party. He said Jammu is strong hold of Congress but in Kashmir also, the party is getting stronger with the efforts of Prof Soz and other leaders. “As a Congress worker I can not see NC jumping from 28 to 58 seats or PDP rising from 21 to 51, but I can see Congress going up from 17 to 37 seats,” Mr Mir maintained.
DyCM Tara Chand, Minister for PHE, I&FC Sham Lal Sharma and even Minister for Housing and Horticulture Raman Bhalla endorsed the view point of Mr Mir and maintained that Congress will emerge as largest party in coming elections.
Mr Bhalla and Mr Sharma both assured the party workers to continue their efforts for coming up to the expectations of the people and strive for broader unity for strengthening Congress.
Prominent among others who addressed the gathering included PCC senior vice president Dharam Pal Sharma, Minister incharge Health Shabir Khan, Minister Incharge Revenue Aijaz Khan, Ex MP Janak Raj Gupta, Gurmukh Singh, Om Chopra, Th Hari Singh, Mula Ram, Ravinder Sharma, Indu Pawar, B R Kundal, Rani Gargi Billoria, Vinod Sharma, Shiv Kumar Sharma, Parkash Sharma, Kuldip Verma, Swarn Lata, Ch Bashir Naz, Balwan Singh Ex-MLA, Ashok Sharma Ex-MLA, S Manjit Singh, Bharat Gandhi, Kanta Bhan, G L Chalotra, Darshan Raina, Manmohan Singh, Ashwani Puri, Anil Chopra, Shiv Dev Singh, K L Gupta, H R Bhagat and others.
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