The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Congress party is considering contesting future elections independently.
The development was underlined during a high-level party convention in Srinagar, where All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir acknowledged that ‘a large section’ of party workers preferred an independent electoral strategy over alliances.
“Let me ask you directly, do you want Congress to contest alone,” Mir asked the gathering of party workers and leaders. A large number of attendees stood in affirmation, prompting Mir to declare that the party must start preparing on a war footing for all upcoming elections.
The event, convened to welcome Dr Nasir Hussain on his first visit to Kashmir as AICC in charge for Jammu and Kashmir, witnessed participation from JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra, Working President Raman Bhalla, and other senior leaders.
The leadership stressed the importance of full organisational mobilisation ahead of the upcoming panchayat, municipal, and District Development Council (DDC) polls while also factoring in the possibility of an early Assembly election.
“Whether or not alliances are formed, the Congress must be ready to face the people with a clear vision and disciplined structure,” Mir said. He added that internal restructuring and ground-level preparations must reflect the party’s readiness to project itself as the principal political force in the region.
The party has already begun reviewing internal roles and responsibilities to align with this shift. Mir said that future decisions on alliances will be made in consultation with AICC leadership, but the sentiment from the ground will be taken seriously—(KNO)
