Prepare for Panchayat, ULB Polls: Congress to Party Cadres

SRINAGAR: All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary in charge of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Dr Sayeed Naseer Hussain, on Thursday said that the Congress party will intensify its movement for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and prepare its cadre for the upcoming Panchayat and Urban Local Body (ULB) elections.

Addressing a press conference at the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) headquarters in Srinagar, Dr Naseer, criticised the BJP and the Central government for delaying the restoration of statehood despite commitments made in Parliament and before the Supreme Court.

He was accompanied by JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra, AICC General Secretary and CLP Leader G A Mir, AICC Secretaries Manoj Yadav and Divya Maderna, Chief Spokesperson Ravinder Sharma, and senior leaders Bashir Ahmed Magrey, Sdr S S Channi, and MLA Nizamuddin Bhat.

Dr Naseer said he held detailed discussions with party leaders during his current visit to Kashmir and earlier in Jammu, and directed party workers to intensify the ongoing campaign. He said he will tour various districts along with the PCC president and senior leaders to meet workers and strengthen the party’s organisational structure.

Responding to a question on Rajya Sabha vacancies, Dr Naseer said that Jammu and Kashmir currently has no representation in the Upper House, and the seats should be filled without further delay.

On the Election Commission’s role, he said the Congress party has raised important concerns. However, he noted that each constituent of the INDIA bloc may have its own stance after reviewing the matter.

Regarding new entries into the party, he said that all such decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis in consultation with JKPCC leadership.

On organisational matters, he said that PCC and other Congress Committees will be reconstituted in due course, as all committees are currently dissolved. He added that any instance of indiscipline will be dealt with according to party norms and, if necessary, strict action will be taken in the party’s interest.

Earlier, while addressing extended executive meetings and meeting delegations from across Kashmir and Jammu, Dr Naseer emphasised the need to strengthen the party at the grassroots level to prepare for upcoming elections, including Panchayat and ULB polls.

He said all parties aim to strengthen their base and come to power, and Congress workers must work on the ground and raise key public issues.

Dr Naseer urged party cadres to begin preparations for the overdue Panchayat and ULB elections in Jammu and Kashmir, adding that grassroots units will be further strengthened to face future electoral and organisational challenges. (KNO)