TNFNew Delhi/ TNF
The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Congress has issued show-cause notices to several party leaders who filed nominations as independent candidates for the upcoming assembly elections, citing a breach of alliance unity. The party’s spokesperson stated that the Congress has taken note of these leaders’ actions and has demanded an explanation within three days, failing which strict disciplinary action will be taken.
Following the seat-sharing arrangement between the National Conference (NC) and Congress, several Congress leaders, including Gandarbal district president Sahil Farooq, have filed nominations as independent candidates. Farooq is contesting against NC Vice President Omar Abdullah from the Gandarbal assembly constituency.
Dissatisfaction with the Alliance
The alliance was formed with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi collaborating with NC President Farooq Abdullah and Vice President Omar Abdullah. Senior party leaders later finalized the seat-sharing arrangement. However, this alliance did not sit well with some Congress leaders and workers, particularly those who wanted to run on the party’s ticket. This dissatisfaction has led to a rebellion, with several leaders opting to contest independently.
At least a dozen Congress leaders in the Kashmir Valley are running as independents against NC-Congress alliance candidates.
Rebel Leaders
In Srinagar, five Congress leaders, including District President Imtiaz Khan, General Secretary Wasim Shalla, former SMC councillor Asif Beg, DDC Khomoh (a Srinagar suburb) candidate Manzoor Ahmed, and party member Irfan Shah, are contesting as independents. In Bandipora district, former Congress member Ismail Khan is running as an independent against the Congress candidate. Similarly, in Anantnag West, party youth leader Asif Ahmed is contesting against former Jammu-Kashmir Congress President Peerzada Syed.
