Congress Opts Out of J&K Cabinet Amid Tensions with NC

Srinagar: In a significant political move, the Congress party has announced that it will not participate in the newly formed Jammu & Kashmir cabinet led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. This decision comes despite a pre-poll alliance under the INDIA bloc, signaling underlying tensions between the two parties. Abdullah, who was recently sworn in, indicated that discussions with Congress are still ongoing, suggesting a possibility for future collaboration.

Congress sources have cited the NC’s unwillingness to allocate two cabinet positions as a primary reason for their withdrawal. By stepping back, Congress aims to avoid potential criticism from the BJP regarding the contentious issue of Article 370—a topic that holds considerable significance for the NC. The NC has consistently advocated for the restoration of the article, which granted special status to J&K before its abrogation in 2019.

Speaking to the press, Abdullah noted, “It is for the Congress to decide. We have been in discussions with them… the size of the government is severely restricted.” He emphasized the limited capacity for cabinet appointments due to the unicameral nature of the assembly, where there is no Upper House. Abdullah hinted that vacancies might be reserved for future appointments, depending on the evolving political landscape.

Along with Abdullah, five other MLAs—Sakina Masood, Javed Dar, Javed Rana, Surinder Choudhary, and Satish Sharma—were sworn in as ministers. Notably, Sharma contested and won as an independent candidate after being denied a ticket by Congress. His inclusion, along with the support of four other independent legislators, boosts the NC’s strength to 46 in the 90-member assembly, significantly diminishing Congress’s leverage.

The Congress party, which contested 37 seats in the recent elections, secured only six, a decline from the 12 seats it won in the 2014 assembly elections. This diminished presence in the assembly further complicates its ability to influence the government’s direction. The NC, while hoping to ensure representation from the Hindu-dominated Jammu region, faced challenges as the BJP swept many of those seats, leaving the alliance’s expectations unfulfilled.

Within the cabinet, the NC has appointed two Hindu MLAs, Choudhary and Arjun Singh Raju, to enhance its representation. However, none of the six Congress MLAs elected are Hindu, raising questions about the party’s ability to address regional demographic concerns effectively.

The Congress’s decision not to join the government is also rooted in its dissatisfaction with the central government’s handling of statehood for J&K. The region was downgraded from a state to a Union territory in August 2019, alongside the revocation of its special status. JKPCC chief Tariq Hameed Karra articulated the party’s stance, stating, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has time and again in public meetings promised that statehood will be restored. But it has not been done. We are unhappy, therefore, we are not joining the ministry at the moment.” He reaffirmed that the Congress would continue to advocate for the restoration of statehood.

The situation reflects a broader struggle in J&K’s political landscape, where alliances are fragile and often influenced by external pressures. The Congress’s exit from the cabinet may signal an attempt to reposition itself in the eyes of the electorate while navigating the complex dynamics of regional politics.

As the Abdullah government moves forward, its reliance on independent MLAs will be crucial, but the absence of Congress in the cabinet raises questions about the long-term stability and effectiveness of the administration. The unfolding political scenario will likely continue to attract attention as stakeholders navigate the challenges posed by both local and national interests.