Srinagar, Jul 2: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Karra on Wednesday reiterated that the Congress will not join the Council of Ministers in the Omar Abdullah-led government until Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood is restored, describing the party’s position as a “principled stand.”
Responding to questions about whether the Congress would seek a share in the proposed Cabinet expansion, Karra said the party’s focus remains on the restoration of statehood rather than ministerial positions.
“Cabinet is not our issue. Our issue is the restoration of statehood. Even if we remain outside the Cabinet, it is because of our principled stand. We have already made it clear that until statehood is restored, we will not become part of the Cabinet,” Karra told reporters in Srinagar.
Despite staying out of the Cabinet, Karra reaffirmed the Congress’ support for the National Conference-led government. He said the party would stand firmly with the government whenever it faces political challenges from the BJP.
“Whenever we feel there is an onslaught from the BJP on the government or any threat to it, the Congress Party will stand with the National Conference,” he said.
His remarks come amid speculation over a possible expansion and reshuffle of the Council of Ministers headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who has recently indicated that a Cabinet expansion may take place.
The Congress, which is supporting the National Conference-led government from outside, has consistently maintained that the restoration of full statehood is its foremost political demand and has linked any participation in the government to the fulfilment of that objective.
Karra also welcomed the National Conference’s decision to join the proposed sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar demanding the restoration of statehood. He said the Congress had been leading the campaign for statehood restoration for over a year through programmes such as “Srinagar Chalo,” “Jammu Chalo,” and “Delhi Chalo.”
Referring to the National Conference’s plan to invite INDIA bloc partners and other political parties from Jammu and Kashmir to participate in the protest on the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session, Karra said the move validated the Congress’ long-standing position on the issue.
He said the Congress was pleased that other political parties had now joined the campaign it had initiated a year ago, adding that all parties were now united in demanding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.
