Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra has suggested that a lack of ideological compatibility may have been the driving force behind National Conference (NC) Member of Parliament Aga Ruhullah Mehdi’s recent departure from the party. Karra made these remarks while addressing recent political shifts in the region, including reported internal dissent within the NC following a cabinet expansion and Ruhullah’s subsequent resignation.
Speaking to PTI on the sidelines of a party function, Karra expressed confidence in the National Conference’s ability to navigate the internal challenges it is currently facing. When questioned about Ruhullah’s resignation, Karra stated that individuals typically have their own distinct reasons for leaving a political organization. In his assessment, the situation appeared to stem from a fundamental incompatibility, where Ruhullah held a different perspective compared to the direction the party was pursuing. “He had a different perspective, while the party was moving in a different direction. Perhaps there was also a lack of ideological compatibility,” Karra was quoted as saying.
Karra drew parallels between Ruhullah’s decision and his own resignation from Parliament and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in September 2016, as well as Ghulam Nabi Azad’s departure from the Congress in August 2022. He emphasized that such decisions by political leaders are often driven by personal reasons and evolving political viewpoints. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that Karra, as a senior leader within the Congress party in Jammu and Kashmir, is closely observing these political developments and offering his party’s perspective.
Regarding the stability of the NC-led government, Karra indicated that it was premature to draw definitive conclusions about its longevity or stability, especially in light of reports concerning separate meetings held by several NC MLAs and Ruhullah’s resignation. He characterized such occurrences as not uncommon within political parties and governments, asserting that they can typically be managed through internal dialogue and coordination mechanisms. “I am very sure that the National Conference will be quite active in handling the situation,” Karra added, underscoring his belief in the NC’s capacity to address internal matters.
In response to queries about the visit of BJP leader Ram Madhav to Jammu and speculation surrounding potential significant political developments, Karra stated that the Congress party had no concrete information regarding any such moves. “As far as we know, there is no such development, nor are we anticipating anything of that sort. We will wait and see what happens,” he commented, reflecting a cautious stance on external political maneuvers.
Karra reiterated a long-standing commitment from the Congress party to stand in solidarity with the National Conference should the latter face any perceived threats from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). “We have always maintained that whenever the National Conference faces any threat from the BJP, the Congress Party must stand firmly alongside the National Conference,” he affirmed. This statement highlights a strategic alignment between the two parties in the regional political landscape, particularly in the context of their opposition to the BJP.
Furthermore, Karra reaffirmed the Congress party’s ongoing campaigns focused on the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. He detailed the party’s sustained efforts, including protests, hunger strikes, and campaigns such as ‘Jammu Chalo’ and ‘Delhi Chalo’, which have been active for the past two years under the slogan ‘Our State, Our Right’. These initiatives, he stated, represent an ongoing movement aimed at achieving the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, and such programs are set to continue. The Congress party’s consistent advocacy for statehood underscores a key plank of its political agenda in the region, reflecting a demand that resonates with a significant section of the populace.
The political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir has been dynamic, with various parties navigating internal and external pressures. The departure of a prominent figure like Aga Ruhullah Mehdi from the National Conference, coupled with reported internal discussions among legislators, signals a period of introspection and strategic recalidation for the NC. The Congress’s public stance, as articulated by Karra, positions the party as a supportive ally to the NC against the BJP, while simultaneously pursuing its own agenda for the restoration of statehood. The coming weeks are likely to reveal more about the implications of these political shifts for the regional government and the broader political discourse in Jammu and Kashmir.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.