SAMBA: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra on Sunday said the Congress entered into a pre-poll alliance with the National Conference (NC) to keep the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) out of power in Jammu and Kashmir, claiming the decision was taken in the larger interests of the people despite opposition from party workers.
Addressing a gathering at Vijaypur organised to felicitate newly appointed JKPCC Vichar Vibhag chairman Yash Pal Kundal, Karra said the Congress had made sacrifices in the larger interests of the nation, alleging that the BJP’s policies threatened the country’s secular and pluralistic character.
Karra accused the BJP of manipulating elections and alleged that the party had misused the electoral machinery to retain power. He said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had brought the issue of alleged electoral irregularities, including claims of vote theft, into the national discourse.
He also criticised the BJP for downgrading Jammu and Kashmir’s status from a state to a Union Territory, alleging that the move had deprived people of their rights over land, jobs and natural resources.
Karra said the Congress had been fighting for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir to safeguard the dignity, identity and rights of its people. He alleged that BJP legislators had compromised the interests of the people of Jammu who had elected them.
Working president Raman Bhalla accused the BJP of undermining the electoral system to remain in power, claiming that people had become aware of its alleged tactics and would reject the party through elections.
Former MP Ch Lal Singh accused the BJP of undermining Dogra identity and exploiting Jammu and Kashmir’s resources. He also alleged that the opening of liquor shops in Jammu had contributed to the spread of drug addiction among youth, while calling for action against the illegal sale of drugs.
Singh said the BJP had insulted Maharaja Hari Singh by downgrading the erstwhile state’s status and depriving its people of their legitimate rights over land, jobs and natural resources.
Karra also felicitated Jung Bhadur Sharma for his induction into the JKPCC Training Department.
He appreciated Aadya Yashtri, the minor daughter of Kundal, for presenting two books authored by her to the PCC president, saying the gesture reflected her intellectual ability at a young age.
Former MLAs Indu Pawar, Durga Dass and Th Hari Singh Chib, JKPCC chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma, Jammu Rural district president Neeraj Kundan, Samba president Sanjeev Sharma, and several other party leaders, block presidents and local representatives attended the gathering.
