Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, June 27: Former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad-led Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) received a major jolt today as two of his senior party leaders and loyalists re-joined Congress in Srinagar.
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Former Ministers – Taj Mohi-ud-Din and G.M. Saroor – left Congress to join DPAP when Azad formed his own party 2022 after partying ways with the Congress.
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Both Taj and Saroori have won multiple elections on Congress tickets and served as Cabinet Ministers in J&K. Haji Farooq Mir, who unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha elections from the Baramulla constituency, currently serves as DDC Vice Chairman also joined the party.
The returning leaders expressed full faith in the leadership of AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, AICC General Secretary, JKPCC President and CLP Leader, praising their leadership and pledging to work hard to further strengthen the Congress in Jammu and Kashmir.
On the return of senior leaders to Congress, All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary in-charge of J&K and Ladakh, Dr Syed Naseer Hussain, said they had “regretted” their earlier decision to quit and acknowledged that floating a separate party was a mistake.
“We’ve been in talks for a long time, but a process had to be followed. We discussed the reasons behind their exit, and they expressed regret over the decision.”
He added that many other individuals who had left Congress or joined other parties are now in touch with JKPCC President, CLP Leader, and himself, and would be rejoining the party following due process.
Dr Hussain, JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra, and CLP Leader G.A. Mir welcomed the returning leaders, who also included DDC Vice Chairman Kupwara, Haji Farooq Mir Lolabi, into the party and congratulated them.
The party noted that the senior leaders, who were associated with Congress for decades, admitted that leaving the party had been a “big mistake.”
“They accepted that their decision was absolutely wrong and apologized for leaving the Congress.”
Speaking on the occasion, JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra said people now look to the Congress to fill the political vacuum that has emerged over time. “Congress has become a necessity for Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Welcoming the returning leaders, Karra said their re-entry will boost the party and expressed hope for sincere cooperation from them.
Dr Hussain, on the occasion said that the party will raise the demand for the restoration of full Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir during the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament.
Addressing a press conference here, he said the Congress leadership is focused on strengthening the party and “ultimately” leading the fight for Statehood.
“Without ifs and buts, Congress will raise the issue during the monsoon session. We firmly believe J&K should be granted full Statehood and its people must be given the right to govern themselves,” he said.
He emphasized that only a strong Congress can effectively raise the issues concerning the people of J&K and work towards their welfare and progress.
“Our priority is to strengthen the Congress in Jammu and Kashmir, ensure it is well-structured, create a political narrative, and fight for the restoration of Statehood,” Dr Hussain added.
He also stressed the need for J&K to receive financial assistance on par with other States, especially given its border status and historical challenges.
“J&K deserves financial packages similar to those received by other states. These packages must be aimed at public welfare, and we will continue to raise this demand alongside our efforts to strengthen the party.”
CLP Leader G.A. Mir highlighted Congress’ historic role in addressing public issues and said its responsibilities would only grow in the future.
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