Jammu: In an apparent message to the dissidents that ‘indiscipline and factionalism’ would not be tolerated at any cost, Indian National Congress has suspended two leaders from Jammu and Kashmir from the party’s primary membership with immediate effect over alleged anti-party activities. As per sources today’s action was based on feedback received by Congress enquiry committee which probed indiscipline and anti-party activities few days back. Sources say the move also serves as a warning to other senior leaders especially in the Jammu region to fall in line or face similar action.
This suspension has stirred up considerable activity within the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee. A senior party functionary, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the high command sought to convey the message that indiscipline would not be tolerated at any level. Emphasis is being placed on strengthening the party organization in view of the political activities likely to unfold in Jammu and Kashmir over the coming months.
According to a communication issued by the All India Congress Committee (AICC), Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge approved the suspension of AICC members Mohd. Anwar Bhatt and Bashir Ahmed Khan. The party said the action was taken on account of their “anti-party activities” in Jammu and Kashmir.
“The Hon’ble Congress President has approved the suspension of the AICC Members from Jammu & Kashmir from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress, with immediate effect, on account of their anti-party activities in the State,” the AICC communication said. The suspension takes effect immediately. However, the party has not elaborated on the nature of the activities that led to the disciplinary action. Sources said that reports of internal infighting within the Jammu and Kashmir Congress had been surfacing for the past few months. Complaints regarding statements made in deviation from the party line and opposition to party decisions at the local level had reached the high command.
Mohammad Anwar Bhat and Bashir Ahmed Khan are both considered veteran leaders of the Jammu & Kashmir Congress and were associated with the party organization at the national level as AICC members. Anwar Bhat had long been overseeing organizational work in the Kashmir Valley, whereas Bashir Ahmed Khan is considered to hold influence in certain areas of the Jammu region.
It is worth noting that the Congress had taken disciplinary action against several leaders in Jammu and Kashmir last year as well. The party has been striving to rebuild its organization in the Union Territory since the abrogation of Article 370. Against this backdrop, the party high command is adopting a strict stance regarding anti-party activities.
Following their suspension, both leaders could now be summoned before the party’s disciplinary committee to present their side. If the party is not satisfied with their response, severe action—such as expulsion—is also possible.
About a fortnight back the Congress enquiry committee gathered feedback from party leaders regarding indiscipline and anti-party activities. The team had met Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hamid Karra, AICC general secretary and MLA Dooru, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, former Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand, and former PCC president Vikar Rasool.
On June 12, the Congress high command constituted a three-member committee to look into activities of indiscipline in the party’s J&K unit. The panel comprises Shaktisinh Gohil (convener), Dr. Amar Singh (member), and Rafeek Khan (member).
