J&K Elections: Cong president calls for coalition with like-minded parties

The National Conference-Congress alliance is willing to seek support from like-minded parties and individuals for government formation in the Union Territory if necessary, stated Tariq Hameed Karra, the president of the Congress’ Jammu and Kashmir unit, on Wednesday.
Reflecting on the recent three-phase Assembly elections, Karra remarked, “What we can see is that the people have voted in favor of the alliance or to keep the BJP out of the power corridors, which is a good thing.” His comments came just a day after the elections concluded in J&K, where voter turnout was reportedly significant.Karra emphasized that the alliance’s doors are open to discussions with other like-minded entities. “If the need arises, our doors are open for all like-minded people, forces, parties, and even individuals. We can discuss this with our alliance partner so that we can talk to such people if there is a need,” he said.
When questioned about the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as a potential ally, Karra refrained from labeling any party specifically. He clarified, “I have said like-minded, on the same page against BJP’s repressive, oppressive policies,” highlighting a shared stance against the ruling party’s approach.
The J&K Congress chief also criticized the Lieutenant Governor’s recent decision to nominate five MLAs to the J&K Assembly, claiming it is part of a “nefarious design” to undermine the electoral process. On the potential role of independent candidates in the elections, Karra viewed them as “spoilers,” asserting that the Central government’s strategy is to fragment votes by fielding independent candidates. “Their only aim is to disempower Kashmiris,” he alleged.Karra also addressed the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuck and others from Ladakh in Delhi, expressing concern over the current political climate in India. “The prevailing atmosphere created by the BJP and its subsidiaries is not allowing any right-thinking voice to emerge,” he remarked, suggesting that dissenting voices are being suppressed.
He further articulated that there is no genuine peace in J&K, asserting that the situation is characterized by “an atmosphere of fear and oppression.” “The calm which they (BJP) are glorifying as peace is not peace. Peace lies in your hearts and minds, but here there is no peace in any person’s heart and mind. There is fear,” he added.Karra concluded by condemning the current governance style, describing it as a “jackboot policy” and emphasized that the recent electoral mandate should be respected to counter the oppressive policies of the government.