Jammu/Srinagar: The Congress on Friday accused the National Conference (NC) of lagging behind in the struggle for restoration of statehood to Jammu & Kashmir, asserting that the party has consistently remained at the forefront of the movement.
Reacting to remarks by NC president Farooq Abdullah, the Congress said the statement was an attempt to divert public attention amid growing resentment over the Centre’s failure to restore statehood and the absence of a sustained ground-level movement.
The party maintained that it has led the agitation “from day one,” intensifying its efforts particularly after the Assembly elections, with continuous protests and public outreach to press for restoration of statehood.
J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Working President Raman Bhalla said the Congress deliberately chose not to join the cabinet despite being entitled to do so as a pre-poll alliance partner, in order to expose what he termed as the BJP government’s “failure” to fulfil its commitment on statehood.
He said the party has since carried forward its campaign under the slogan “Hamari Riyasat Hamara Haq,” organising a series of protests including chain hunger strikes and calls for “Srinagar Chalo,” “Jammu Chalo,” and “Delhi Chalo.”
Bhalla said senior Congress leaders, acting on directions of party leadership, participated in protests at Jantar Mantar and marches towards Parliament, drawing national attention to the issue.
He added that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi had also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to honour his public commitments regarding restoration of statehood.
The Congress leader said that instead of supporting the movement, the NC had questioned the party’s efforts even during peak protests.
He further stated that Congress had offered NC leadership to lead the movement with full support, emphasizing that restoration of statehood is not a partisan issue but a collective demand of the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
Bhalla questioned the NC’s role in advancing the cause, asking what concrete steps it had taken beyond “occasional statements,” and what became of its signature campaign on the issue.
Taking a dig at the NC, Bhalla said, “Statehood cannot be achieved by showering praises on the government that has betrayed the people of Jammu & Kashmir on this issue.”
He accused the Centre of reneging on its commitment to restore statehood after the Assembly elections and said the Congress would continue to raise the issue both on the streets and at national platforms.
