Congress Insists on Statehood, Fulfilment of Poll Promises
Srinagar| Oct. 27: The induction of four ministers into the Omar Abdullah-led government has opened a fresh political debate in Jammu and Kashmir, with Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma urging the Chief Minister to adress the disappointment of legislators left out of the Cabinet, National Conference leaders acknowledging internal resentment and Congress reiterating that restoration of statehood and fulfilment of electoral commitments should take precedence over ministerial appointments.
Sharma offered support to the excluded National Conference legislators, saying their disappointment should not be overlooked and that Omar Abdullah had a responsibility to address their concerns. “I will wipe their tears, but it is Omar Sahib’s responsibility to wipe those tears. We will also wipe them,” Sharma said while speaking to reporters after Tuesday’s swearing-in ceremony. Congratulating the newly inducted ministers, the BJP leader urged them to focus on public issues and deliver on their responsibilities rather than become involved in political disputes. Asked about reports of differences within the ruling party and speculation over the government’s stability, he counselled patience.
“Have patience, don’t be in a hurry,” he said. The political reactions followed the induction of Ali Mohammad Sagar, Shamim Firdous, Mir Saifullah and Altaf Ahmad Wani, popularly known as Altaf Kaloo, into the Council of Ministers. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha administered the oath of office and secrecy at Lok Bhawan in Srinagar. The expansion has exposed competing expectations within the National Conference, with some senior legislators and their supporters expressing disappointment over the allocation of ministerial berths.
Party chief spokesperson and Zadibal MLA Tanvir Sadiq congratulated Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the newly inducted ministers, wishing them success in serving the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He expressed hope that the new Cabinet would work with commitment and compassion towards public welfare. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said the expansion would strengthen governance, accountability and the delivery of public services. He also criticised the BJP for targeting the government and urged it to focus on public concerns, including issues affecting young people.
NC leader Salman Sagar acknowledged that some legislators were unhappy with the decision but said the leadership had its own considerations. “Some MLAs were angry… leadership has its own compulsions,” he said. The discontent became particularly visible at the party headquarters, where supporters of senior leader Mubarak Ahmad Gul protested against his exclusion and gave the leadership two days to address their demand for his induction. Gul later said he had received a special assurance from party president Dr Farooq Abdullah but declined to disclose its details immediately.
Congress leaders used the cabinet expansion to reiterate their demand for restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and implementation of promises made to the electorate. Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hamid Karra said the party would not join the government until statehood was restored. The statement followed discussions with the National Conference, which had approached Congress with an offer of a ministerial berth. Congress MLA Irfan Hafiz Lone said the focus should remain on governance and delivery rather than on which legislators secured ministerial positions. “It is obvious that they expect to serve people in this capacity as well, but everyone cannot become a minister,” Lone said. He added that the government’s priority should be fulfilling commitments made to the public. “Who is in the ministry and who is hurt is not important; what is important is that the promises made to people are fulfilled,” he said. Lone urged the government to address issues concerning daily wagers, employment, ration supplies and free electricity, saying people had high expectations from the elected administration. He also cited alleged vote theft, paper leaks, freedom of speech and restoration of statehood as issues requiring attention.
