Congress delay in finalizing list for 3rd phase makes cadres restive….!

Aspirants waiting eagerly to gear up for campaign

Jammu: With a cautious approach to selecting candidates for upcoming Assembly polls almost all political parties have finalized candidates for what looks like a hot contest in all 3 phases. It is Congress which has yet to do this exercise for third phase that has crucial districts and equally important segments in the schedule.
Delay on part of the party is taking psychological toll not only among aspirants but also among workers and cadres who are eagerly waiting for formal announcement even as many names are anybody’s guess. Sources said as all other candidates of different parties and independents have begun to gear up for the final phase, restiveness has crept across length and breadth of Congress cadres across all segments which will go to polls in third phase on September 25.
Those at helm in the party are unnecessarily delaying this and there is apparently no big reason to take final decision on candidates, said a senior party leader wishing anonymity. We cannot blame high command for this because there is a proper committee for this which has to take a call and push it for approval from the top level, he said confiding this is being seen as dilemma of some leaders while others look it at casual approach of incharge leadership.
The party has to decide names of candidates in districts as important as Kathua and Udhampur besides all significant battle ground –the Jammu district where Congress shall have tough contest against its traditional rival BJP on almost all segments this time. Kathua has six seats and Udhampur 4 , while Jammu will see contest on its 11 constituencies.
Sources also attribute this delay due to newly appointed PCC chief Tariq Hamid Karra’s busy schedule who is himself contesting election and therefore hugely pre occupied. Moreover, his appointment came at a time when he got no time to get the nerve of segments freshly, leave alone taking review by organizing proper meetings separately, which is a pre requisite exercise prior to polls.
Usually, delay happens when leadership sees some big gains like when some popular heavyweights from other parties are expected to join the Congress or when there is big confusion as for the multiple choices for segments. As of now, there is none among the two, explained the sources.
However, above any reason which is detrimental to delaying the name of candidates is the fact that they will get less time for campaigning in their respective areas. While their competitors have pulled up socks and begun activities, uncertainty in Congress camp has left atmosphere quiet and calm within the workers. Moreover, this becomes a tough job in view of difficult topography and terrains in many segments of Kathua and Udhampur.

Updated On 9/8/2024 12:44:29 AM