Srinagar, August 19: In a defiant tone, former Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Vikar Rasool Wani on Monday accused the party of conspiring to sabotage his chances of becoming the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.
Wani, recently removed from his leadership position just weeks before the crucial Assembly elections, did not mince words. He alleged that a coordinated effort within the party is working to ensure he does not rise to the top post. “There are powerful forces within the party who have been plotting to block my path to the Chief Minister’s office,” Wani declared at a public meeting, hinting that his identity as a Gujjar or Pahadi might be a factor in the betrayal.
This bold accusation follows Wani’s conspicuous absence from a party event in Srinagar, which was organized to welcome his successor, Tariq Hameed Karra. While Karra downplayed Wani’s absence, citing his travel from Banihal, Wani’s pointed remarks suggest deeper rifts within the party. Senior leaders Tara Chand and Raman Bhalla, who were present at the event, have yet to comment on Wani’s claims.
As the September 18 elections approach, Wani’s rebellious stance underscores the growing tension within the Congress party, raising questions about unity and leadership at a critical juncture.