Raja Syed Rather
Jammu, Apr 19: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Tariq Hamid Karra on Saturday indicated that Congress and National Conference leaders may soon meet in New Delhi to strategize for strengthening their political alliance in the Union Territory.
Speaking about his recent meeting with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Karra clarified that the visit – which included Congress MP and J&K in-charge Sayeed Naseer Hussain and CLP leader G.A. Mir – was purely a “courtesy call” and unrelated to cabinet expansion rumors.
“We are considering a Delhi meeting between Congress and NC leadership soon,” Karra said. “The agenda will focus solely on consolidating our alliance and planning future strategies in accordance with the public mandate. Cabinet inclusion isn’t part of these discussions.”
The Congress leader reiterated his party’s firm stance on statehood restoration, stating: “Our primary demand remains unchanged – without statehood, there can be no meaningful governance. This position is non-negotiable.”
Karra said that joining the cabinet wasn’t contemplated during their meeting with the Chief Minister. “The purpose was twofold: to welcome Naseer Hussain Sahib on his first J&K visit after assuming charge, and to reaffirm our alliance commitment,” he said.
The Congress leader claimed that his party would continue being a responsible ally while vigorously pursuing its core political objectives. “Our approach remains principled and issue-based. We’re committed to securing Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional rights through political engagement,” Karra said. (KNO)
