Congress to intensify movement for statehood restoration: AICC Gen Secy

Srinagar, Jun 26: In a renewed push for Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, AICC General Secretary in charge of J&K and Ladakh, Dr Sayeed Naseer Hussain, on Thursday said that Congress will intensify its movement for restoration of statehood while also preparing its cadre for the Panchayat and Urban Local Body (ULB) elections.
Addressing a press conference at PCC headquarters in Srinagar, Dr Naseer, lashed out at the BJP and central government for the delay in granting statehood to J&K after committing the same in Parliament and before the Supreme Court.
Flanked by JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra, AICC General Secretary & CLP Leader G A Mir, AICC Secretaries Manoj Yadav & Divya Maderna, Chief Spokesperson Ravinder Sharma, and senior leaders Bashir Ahmed Magrey, S S Channi & MLA Nizamuddin Bhat, AIIC General Secretary said he held detailed deliberations with party leaders during his current visit here and earlier in Jammu. He asked party cadres to intensify the ongoing movement.
He said that he will also undertake a tour of different districts along with the PCC president & senior leadership to meet workers and strengthen the organisation.
Replying to a question on the vacancies to Rajya Sabha, he said that there is no representation of J&K in Rajya Sabha, which is the House of Council of States, so it should be filled without delay.
In a reply to another question, he said that the Congress party has raised several important questions over the role of the Election Commission. After detailed investigations, however, any constituent of the INDIA bloc can have their own view on the issue.
Regarding the new joining of leaders into the party, he said that senior leadership of JKPCC will be taken on board, and case-by-case basis decisions will be taken.
In another reply, he said that PCC and other Congress Committees shall be reconstituted, in due course, as all such committees are dissolved at present. He further said that anyone found guilty of indiscipline shall be dealt with as per norms, and any harsh decision required in the interest of the party will also be taken, as organisation is supreme.
Earlier addressing extended executives of the party and during meetings with different delegations from across the Kashmir Valley and Jammu region, AICC General Secretary stressed the need for strengthening the Congress party at grassroots levels in order to come out stronger in the next elections, including in the ULB and Panchayat elections.
He said it is the desire & effort of every party to strengthen its base and come to power, so work hard at the ground level and highlight important issues of people.
Dr Naseer asked party cadres to prepare beforehand for the panchayat & ULB elections whenever held, as these are overdue in Jammu and Kashmir. He said grassroots units will be further strengthened in the near future to face the future electoral & other challenges. (KNO)