Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, July 2: J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Tariq Hameed Karra today said that the party’s campaign to regain Statehood for J&K is open to all.
Speaking to reporters after addressing Mahila Congress Convention, Karra said the campaign has been successful so far and that the party welcomes participation from people across the political spectrum.
“This is not just for the Congress, its workers, or its leaders. If we manage to restore these rights, they will benefit everyone. While we may have initiated this movement, we want others to join us-regardless of political affiliation-because this is about the future of our people,” he said.
Karra said the Congress launched the ‘Hamari Riyasat, Hamara Haq’ campaign from Jammu, where it received an encouraging response. “It’s open to all, and my invitation remains open to everyone,” he added.
On the issue of increasing liquor licenses in Kashmir, Karra said the move is part of a “well thought-out plan,” which the Congress has always opposed.
“This may be acceptable elsewhere, but liquor is not acceptable to Kashmiri society. If it is imposed, there will be a reaction. It would be an injustice,” he said.
He also highlighted that several parts of Kashmir are suffering due to the lack of irrigation and drinking water and urged the concerned departments to formulate a plan for the welfare of the people.
Addressing the day-long convention, organized as part of the ‘Hamari Riyasat, Hamara Haq’ campaign, Karra said former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was a pioneer of women empowerment in India, demonstrating her resolve to ensure equal representation for women in all spheres.
“Women empowerment belongs to the Congress. The party has done significant work in this area,” Karra said, adding that under the leadership of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress will continue to vigorously champion the cause.
He slammed the BJP for “misleading” the nation with its “empty slogans” on women empowerment, claiming that the party has “done little” and has instead used the issue for political mileage.
He also noted that Rajiv Gandhi introduced one-third reservation for women in all three tiers of Panchayati Raj through the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments.
He said the UPA ensured the representation of over 8,300 women in J&K’s Panchayati Raj Institutions, including DDC Chairpersons and one-third seats for women from SC and ST communities.
However, he expressed regret that due to a lack of support from the BJP, the UPA could not pass the one-third reservation bill for women in the Lok Sabha, despite getting it through the Rajya Sabha-exposing, he said, the BJP’s hypocrisy.
J&K Mahila Congress President Shameema Raina, while addressing the convention, expressed gratitude to the PCC President for presiding over the event and assured him that Mahila Congress workers across J&K will continue to work toward women empowerment and actively support the ongoing campaign for the restoration of Statehood.
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