Congress will not join govt: Tariq Karra

Srinagar, Aug 27: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Tariq Hameed Karra on Thursday ruled out the party’s entry into the Omar Abdullah-led government, asserting that the Congress would not join the Council of Ministers until statehood was restored to Jammu and Kashmir.
“In the past two years, our stand has been absolutely clear. We will not become part of the Cabinet until statehood is restored. Supporting the National Conference government does not imply that we will join the Council of Ministers,” Karra said.
The JKPCC chief said the Congress had extended support to the National Conference with the sole objective of safeguarding the communal harmony and unity of Jammu and Kashmir. He said the restoration of statehood and protecting the rights of people over land, jobs and natural resources remained the party’s foremost demand.
Asserting that the Congress would continue to support the government against the BJP and divisive forces, Karra made it clear that the party reserved the right to raise issues concerning the people. “Support does not mean silence. The Congress will stand with the people and continue to speak on issues that directly affect them,” he said.
Reacting sharply to the recent power tariff hike, the JKPCC chief termed the decision unjust and said the Congress had opposed it from the very beginning. He said the tariff increase came at a time when consumers were already grappling with mounting outstanding bills and the threat of disconnection.
“This power tariff hike is neither fair nor just. Placing an additional burden on consumers in such circumstances is not in the interest of the people. The government must look into the difficulties faced by ordinary consumers and protect their interests,” Karra said, adding that supporting the government did not mean remaining silent on public issues.
Earlier, a six-member Council of Ministers headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was sworn in on October 16 last year, which did not include any Congress member. The National Conference, which is part of the INDIA opposition alliance, is opposed to the revocation of Article 370. In the elections held last year, the NC emerged as the single largest party and staked claim to form the government with Congress support. The Congress has since been extending outside support to the government while keeping the party’s options open on joining the Council of Ministers . (KNS)