Ghulam Nabi Azad may lead Congress in J&K polls

Arjun Sharma

Jammu, July 14

Riddled with factionalism, the Congress’ J&K unit is likely to be headed by former CM Ghulam Nabi Azad for the Assembly polls and one of his loyalists is expected to be made UT president of the party. During a two-day consultation session with J&K leaders in New Delhi that ended on Wednesday, senior leaders of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) indicated that Ghulam Nabi Azad may get the reins of the party’s J&K unit to form poll strategy.

The high command has asked leaders to show a united face for polls expected to be held by the end of the year.

AICC general secretary KC Venugopal, Ambika Soni and other leaders interacted with party leaders from the Union Territory.

The Congress has witnessed factionalism in J&K for a long time. Recently, J&K Congress president GA Mir tendered his resignation apparently due to pressure from a faction, paving the way for reorganisation of the party in the UT. The tussle between Azad and senior leader Saifuddin Soz is an open secret.

It has been learnt that the name of Vikar Rasool, said to be Azad’s loyalist, cropped up during the AICC meeting, but a few leaders opposed his candidature. Another name that has been doing the rounds is that of party’s UT working president Raman Bhalla.

Azad is said to have suggested four names for the post of J&K chief to the high command which is yet to make a choice.

The Congress couldn’t win any Lok Sabha seat in J&K and Ladakh in 2019 whereas the BJP and the National Conference had won three each.

According to a statement issued by the Congress, Venugopal, Soni and Azad “advised the J&K leaders to unitedly fight the anti-people policies of the ruling BJP and defeat the latter’s divisive agenda” in Jammu and Kashmir. They asked them to gear up for the Assembly elections.

Four names put forth

• Azad is said to have suggested four names for J&K chief to the high command which is yet to make a choice.
• A few leaders are said to have opposed Vikar Rasool’s candidature. Raman Bhalla is also said to be in the race.

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