Mubashir Alam Wani
Srinagar, Apr 5: Senior Congress leader and MLA Bandipora, Nizamuddin Bhat on Saturday reaffirmed the party’s full support to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the decisions taken during a recent high-level meeting.
Bhat, however, sharply criticised certain “disgruntled and extraneous elements”, alleging that they were attempting to defame the Congress at both state and national levels.
Addressing media persons at the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) headquarters here, Bhat said the party stands united behind the Chief Minister.
“The decisions taken yesterday through unanimity shall stand. The party is fully committed to them,” he said.
He added that Congress would continue to support the Chief Minister in whatever course of action he deemed appropriate. “He is the leader of the House, and our party stands firmly behind him,” Bhat added.
Highlighting Congress’s role at the national level, the MLA described it as a party that has not only governed the country for decades but also played a foundational role in nation-building. “Congress is not a regional force; it is the largest national opposition and the voice of the people,” he said.
Bhat also praised the party’s reorganisation in Jammu and Kashmir in 2024, during which Tariq Hameed Karra assumed charge as JKPCC President. “Since then, a new team has taken shape with a blend of senior and new members. I myself joined because of this leadership. Their dedication to strengthening the organisation is unmatched,” he said.
However, he warned of internal threats posed by “individuals no longer associated” with the party. “Some elements who are no longer affiliated with Congress went to Delhi and created unnecessary drama. Their actions lacked both morality and ethics and seem driven by a larger agenda to discredit the party,” he alleged.
Without naming anyone, Bhat said such individuals might be acting “at the behest of Congress’s enemies” and have misled the media with false narratives. “The J&K Congress disciplinary committee has already submitted a report against them for violating party norms and damaging its public image,” he said.
MLA Bandipora said a recent meeting held in Delhi was attended only by officially designated district presidents and senior leaders. “Those not invited are not part of the current structure. Indiscipline cannot be tolerated, and saboteurs will not be allowed to dictate terms,” he said.
Calling for unity within the party ranks, Bhat said, “Congress has stood the test of time and has played a historic role in shaping this state and the country. We won’t allow a few miscreants to derail our mission.”
