Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hamid Karra has said that the Congress Party remains the only credible national alternative capable of countering the divisive politics of the BJP and its affiliates.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Faheem Tak of The News Now, Karra defended the Congress’ decision to stay out of the coalition cabinet led by Omar Abdullah, saying the move was guided by principle, not power.
“Congress took a conscious stand not to be part of the cabinet till Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood is restored. This issue is not just ours — it belongs to 1.4 crore people of the Union Territory,” Karra said.
He asserted that the Congress sacrificed power to uphold the aspirations of the people, adding that the party’s campaign ‘Hamari Riyast, Hamara Haq’ had successfully reignited the demand for full statehood. “From Srinagar to Delhi, our message was clear — we are fighting for the rights and dignity of Jammu and Kashmir,” he noted.
Karra also responded to criticism that the Congress’ influence has waned since the formation of the government. “If shrinking means not sitting in the secretariat, then yes. But on the ground, our workers are more motivated than ever. People recognise that Congress has never compromised with the BJP — and never will,” he said.
On the question of seat-sharing tensions with the National Conference during the Rajya Sabha and bypoll discussions, Karra said the party had acted in national interest. “When Farooq Abdullah met Sonia Gandhi and requested a safe seat, our leadership agreed in the spirit of alliance unity. Our concern was that Congress should have a strong voice in Parliament to speak for Jammu and Kashmir,” he explained.
Karra maintained that the ideological battleground between secular and divisive forces lies in Jammu and Kashmir. “The narratives that shape India’s politics begin here — and that’s why our presence in Parliament and at the grassroots matters most,” he said.
He credited Rahul Gandhi’s outreach in Jammu and Kashmir, including visits to senior NC leaders’ homes, for strengthening opposition unity before the polls. “That gesture played a key role in keeping BJP out of power corridors in J&K,” Karra said.
Despite not holding ministerial positions, Karra insisted that the Congress’ moral authority and people’s trust are its biggest strengths. “The Congress remains the only party that can give voice to regional aspirations through a national platform,” he said.
