Cong disassociates itself from remarks

Alliance will remain intact: Omar Abdullah

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Monday disassociated itself from the "derogatory remarks" made by senior party leader Vikar Rasool Wani against its alliance partner National Conference (NC). JKPCC president Tariq Hameed Karra strongly condemns the derogatory remarks and unparliamentary language used by Congress leader and its candidate from Banihal, Vikar Rasool Wani, against the NC leadership during a programme in Banihal on Sunday, the JKPCC said in a statement.
Wani, a former JKPCC chief, launched a scathing attack on the NC during his election rally, saying "NC's flag is red because it is stained with the blood of Kashmiris, especially the people of Banihal".
However, Karra said the Congress disassociates itself from such statements and condemns the use of such language.
"We have great respect for late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and Farooq Abdullah, who is one of the most senior and respected political leaders of J&K. The Congress and NC are fighting the upcoming elections in alliance against the BJP and will continue to fight for the dignity and rights of the people of J&K," he said.
Such statements are unacceptable and go against the values of democracy and respect for political opponents, Karra added and urged all political leaders to maintain dignity and respect in their public discourse.
"We reiterate our commitment to the alliance and our joint fight against the BJP's divisive politics. We will continue to work together to protect the interests of J&K and its people," the JKPCC chief said.
Meanwhile, Taking a jab at the Congress candidate for Banihal, National Conference Vice President Omar today stated he has been brazenly overstepping his limits and smearing the National Conference.
However, he was quick to emphasize that the alliance between the two parties will remain intact, providing the region with a stable government that will prioritize and protect the region's interests.
He said this while addressing a public meeting in Banihal, organised by party candidate for Banihal Sajad Shaheen.
Addressing the rally Omar Abdullah accused BJP of engaging in double talk, stating that such tactics of deceiving the people will backfire on them.
In a scathing critique of the BJP, Omar pointed out that the party often speaks with a forked tongue in an attempt to deceive voters. He highlighted the fact that the BJP's report card on development is essentially blank, particularly in terms of development, employment generation, and infrastructure development.
Omar, specifically referring to the Union Home minister's remarks in Jammu said, "The Union Defence minister stated that the government would engage in discussions with a neighboring country, only for the Home minister to contradict this statement during a speech in Jammu. This blatant contradiction is a clear indication of the BJP's attempts to deceive the public in order to secure votes. Why this double talk?" Omar questioned, emphasizing the need for transparency and honesty in political discourse.
He emphasized that the NC manifesto addresses the pressing issues in the region and provides a clear plan to tackle them.
"We are not simply warning voters about the BJP. We proudly present a meticulously crafted manifesto that covers topics such as unemployment, social welfare, healthcare, education, infrastructure, sanitation, urban development, industries, handicrafts, agriculture, and mining. We understand the urgent need for effective governance to help our people recover from the injustices of the past decade."
Omar emphasized the importance of putting Banihal on the national tourist map, highlighting the plethora of attractions it has to offer. He assured that the upcoming NC government will prioritize developing the area's infrastructure to better accommodate tourists and elevate its status as a must-visit destination in Jammu and Kashmir.
It is important to note here that National Conference and Congress who formed alliance are in a friendly battle on 5 seats, one of which is Banihal. On Banihal seat Congress party has fielded Vikar Rasool and National Conference Sajad Shaheen.