JAMMU, Aug 30 (KNS): The Congress party on Sunday firmly ruled out joining the Jammu and Kashmir Council of Ministers under the existing Union Territory arrangement, with JKPCC President Tariq Hamid Karra asserting that acceptance of ministerial berths would contradict the party's uncompromising demand for restoration of full statehood.
"The Congress will not accept any ministerial position in the present UT setup. Our stand on statehood is clear and non-negotiable," Karra told a public gathering in Reasi, putting an end to weeks of speculation over the party's possible entry into the government.
The decision assumes significance as the Congress, with its current strength in the Legislative Assembly, has the numbers to seek representation in the council of ministers. However, party sources said joining the government at this stage would dilute the moral authority of its sustained campaign for the restoration of statehood — a position the party has maintained since the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state in August 2019.
"We cannot demand restoration of statehood on one hand and become part of a UT government on the other.
Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThat would be a contradiction," a senior Congress leader told KNS on condition of anonymity.
The party's central leadership, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and former party chief Rahul Gandhi, has consistently raised the issue of statehood in Parliament and during public rallies across the country. The stand taken by the J&K unit, party insiders said, is in complete sync with that larger political line.
Karra's remarks also come amid indications that some party leaders were keen on joining the government to serve the people and fulfil electoral expectations. However, the leadership has chosen to prioritise principle over office, sending a clear signal that political credibility cannot be compromised for portfolio distribution.
The Congress's "Hamari Riyasat, Hamara Haq" campaign, party leaders said, would continue with renewed vigour. "We are not here for positions. We are here for the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir," Karra added. (KNS)
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