Jammu: A day-long workshop of J&K Congress leaders, including newly elected MLAs, former ministers, legislators, party candidates in the recent assembly elections, and heads of frontal organizations, was held here today.
The workshop decided to revamp and reactivate the party organization at the grassroots level by launching assembly-wise mass contact programs throughout the year.
AICC Incharge of J&K Affairs, Bharatsinh Solanki, was the Chief Guest, while JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra presided over the event. Other key participants included AICC General Secretary and CLP leader G.A. Mir, AICC Secretaries Manoj Yadav (Co-Incharge J&K), Shah Nawaz Chaudhary, Neeraj Kundan, Working Presidents Tara Chand and Raman Bhalla, Ex-MP Ch. Lal Singh, IYC President Udey Bhanu Chib, Ex-PCC President Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed, and senior leaders from both regions of J&K.
The workshop, held in two sessions, included detailed discussions on the recent elections, organizational affairs, and measures to strengthen, revamp, and rejuvenate the party. Participants also deliberated on the current political situation and planned year-long activities under the AICC campaign “Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, and Jai Samvidhan” launched on January 3, as announced during the recent CWC session in Belgaum, Karnataka.
In his address, Bharatsinh Solanki briefed participants on the Congress Working Committee’s declaration of 2025 as the “Year of Organization.” He emphasized the need to rebuild the party structure at all levels and address shortcomings down to the booth level. He urged party leaders to focus on restructuring, reorganizing, and revamping the organization to prepare for future elections effectively.
Solanki appreciated the efforts of the newly appointed JKPCC President in engaging with grassroots cadres post-election to gather feedback and suggestions. He noted that while the party could not meet the expectations of voters, the alliance successfully countered BJP’s attempts to create a hung assembly through divisions and manipulations. “This is a victory for our mission to keep BJP out of power, as its ideology threatens India’s foundational principle of unity in diversity. Congress has always played a vital role in J&K due to its secular ideology,” he remarked.
Referring to the impact of Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra in J&K, Solanki highlighted its immense influence, particularly in Kashmir, and the positive outcomes evident in the election results. “Our ideological rival is the BJP, whose divisive policies endanger the unity and integrity of the nation,” he stated.
In his welcome address, JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra spoke about the challenges faced by the party and affirmed that the organization would be strengthened at all levels. He mentioned consulting grassroots workers, incorporating their suggestions, and reviewing recommendations from the Fact-Finding Committee and senior leaders.
Karra highlighted the contributions of the UPA government under Dr. Manmohan Singh, which significantly supported J&K in sectors such as power, railway and road connectivity, education, health, skill development, and relief and rehabilitation. He criticized the BJP-led government for failing to advance projects initiated by the UPA, many of which remain incomplete.
Addressing the current political challenges, Karra reiterated the party’s commitment to the restoration of statehood and full governance rights for J&K. “Congress is a strong, democratic, secular, progressive, and nationalist force that represents the aspirations of all sections in J&K,” he stated.
AICC General Secretary and CLP leader G.A. Mir lauded the initiative to organize the workshop, which aligns with the AICC directive to strengthen the party nationwide. “Congress has a history, legacy, and strong ideology that has stood the test of time. We must continue to defeat BJP’s divisive ideology and uphold the unity and aspirations of the people,” he said.
Participants actively contributed suggestions for the party’s future roadmap and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the organization.
Meanwhile, the JKPCC released photographs of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh with UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and other senior leaders launching major projects such as the Zojila Tunnel at Z-Morh, highlighting Congress’s historical contributions to J&K’s development.
