People caught between two power centres without statehood: Karra; Bhalla attacks BJP over ‘divisive politics’
21/05/2026
Jammu, May 20: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Tariq Hameed Karra on Tuesday alleged that people of Jammu and Kashmir are "sandwiched between two power centres" due to non-restoration of statehood, accusing the BJP of failing to fulfil its promise after Assembly elections.
Addressing a workers' convention at Talab Tillo organised as part of the Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan and week-long commemoration of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's martyrdom, Karra said the absence of full statehood has weakened democratic accountability and affected governance. "The people of Jammu and Kashmir are suffering due to dual control and are caught between two centres of power," Karra said, alleging that delay in restoration of statehood amounted to denial of democratic rights.
The convention was attended by senior Congress leaders, including Working President Raman Bhalla, former ministers Mula Ram, Yogesh Sawhney, Gurbachan Rana and Abdul Majeed Wani, Chief Spokesperson Ravinder Sharma, former MLCs Ved Mahajan and Subash Gupta, among others.
Karra alleged that districts of Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Udhampur and Reasi had been adversely affected following the downgrading of Jammu and Kashmir's status, claiming local youth were facing employment challenges and concerns over resources.
He said the Congress was continuing its campaign under the slogan "Hamari Riyasat, Hamara Haq", seeking restoration of statehood and democratic rights.
Calling for organisational strengthening, Karra urged party workers to activate booth committees and strengthen grassroots structures ahead of future electoral contests.
Addressing the gathering, Raman Bhalla accused the BJP of pursuing "politics of hate and communal polarisation" and said Congress stood for secularism, inclusiveness and social harmony.
Bhalla also expressed concern over drug abuse and unemployment among youth, alleging governance failures in addressing these issues. Former minister Mula Ram called for strengthening the party organisation with greater participation of youth, women, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and OBCs, while Yogesh Sawhney accused the BJP of failing to deliver on promises related to jobs and governance.
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