English
English
English
Jammu and Kashmir Congress president Tariq Hameed Karra reiterates the party’s position on joining the Omar Abdullah-led government. (Img: Dynamite News)
Srinagar: The Congress has reiterated its decision to remain outside the Omar Abdullah-led government in Jammu and Kashmir until full statehood is restored to the Union Territory. Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hameed Karra reaffirmed the party’s position on October 27, following the Cabinet expansion, while MLA Irfan Hafiz Lone called on the government to prioritise employment, daily-wage workers, ration supplies and the fulfilment of key electoral promises.
The Congress continues to extend outside support to the National Conference-led government but has ruled out joining the Council of Ministers before the restoration of statehood. Meanwhile, Lone stressed the need for the administration to focus on public welfare, economic concerns and governance commitments.
Speaking to reporters after the Cabinet expansion, Tariq Hameed Karra said the Congress would maintain its position on statehood and would not reconsider its decision to join the government until Jammu and Kashmir regains full statehood.
The Congress has consistently linked its participation in the Council of Ministers to the restoration of statehood, making the issue a key condition in its political engagement with the National Conference-led administration. The party continues to support the government from outside rather than assume ministerial responsibilities.
The latest statement comes amid renewed political attention following the expansion of Omar Abdullah’s Cabinet. While the government has moved ahead with its ministerial restructuring, the Congress has reiterated that its participation in the Cabinet remains contingent on a constitutional and political change in Jammu and Kashmir’s status.
Jammu and Kashmir was reorganised into a Union Territory in 2019 following the abrogation of its special constitutional status and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state. Since then, the restoration of statehood has remained a prominent political demand, with parties and public representatives repeatedly raising the issue.
Amid the debate over Cabinet formation and ministerial representation, Wagoora-Kreeri MLA Irfan Hafiz Lone emphasised that the government’s principal responsibility should be to address people’s concerns and deliver on commitments made during the election campaign.
Lone said legislators naturally seek opportunities to serve the public in different capacities, but governance must remain focused on resolving everyday problems and improving the delivery of public services. He called for greater attention to employment generation, the concerns of daily-wage workers and the uninterrupted supply of ration to eligible beneficiaries.
The MLA also highlighted the promise of free electricity, urging the government to give greater priority to implementing the commitment. The issue is particularly significant for households facing rising living costs, while employment opportunities and the regularisation or welfare concerns of daily-wage workers remain important public policy challenges.
His remarks placed the emphasis on measurable governance outcomes, including livelihood support, access to essential commodities and the implementation of welfare commitments. The broader question is how effectively the administration can translate election promises into concrete benefits for residents.
Lone also drew attention to concerns surrounding question paper leaks and freedom of expression, alongside the demand for restoration of statehood. He called for collective efforts to address these issues, suggesting that political differences should not overshadow matters affecting students, citizens and the wider public.
Question paper leaks can undermine confidence in recruitment and examination systems, raising concerns about transparency, merit and equal opportunity. For students and job aspirants, credible examinations and fair recruitment processes are central to accessing education and employment.
Freedom of expression, meanwhile, remains an important governance issue involving civil liberties, public discourse and the relationship between citizens and institutions. Lone’s comments broadened the discussion beyond Cabinet formation to include accountability, institutional credibility and the delivery of public services.
The latest remarks reflect two parallel strands in Jammu and Kashmir’s political debate. The Congress has made restoration of statehood a precondition for joining the Omar Abdullah-led Cabinet, while Lone has stressed the importance of addressing immediate public concerns and delivering on electoral commitments.
Statehood remains a significant constitutional and political question following Jammu and Kashmir’s reorganisation in 2019. At the same time, employment, daily-wage workers’ concerns, ration distribution, electricity relief, examination integrity and freedom of expression remain issues with direct implications for residents.
The government’s performance will be assessed not only through political decisions and Cabinet arrangements but also through its ability to address these concerns and demonstrate progress on its promises.
As the political debate continues, the key questions are whether the demand for full statehood will see further progress and how quickly the administration can deliver on commitments related to jobs, welfare and essential services. The Congress has maintained its position on Cabinet participation, while Lone has called for a stronger focus on the issues affecting people across Jammu and Kashmir.
