||Black and White Digital News||

||Parvinder Singh June 25, 2024||

New Delhi: In the wake of a dismal performance in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the Congress party’s high command has urgently summoned key leaders from the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) for a pivotal meeting in New Delhi. This gathering, which is expected to shape the party’s future strategy ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in the Union Territory, is seen as crucial for the party’s revival in the region.

Despite a notable increase in vote share, the Congress failed to secure any seats in Jammu and Kashmir during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Compared to 2019, the Congress and its allies’ vote share rose to 50.16%, a significant jump from their previous 36%. Conversely, the BJP’s share plummeted from 47% to 24%, reflecting a substantial shift in voter sentiment. However, this vote gain did not translate into electoral victories, prompting intense scrutiny and strategic reassessment within the party.

The JKPCC President Vikar Rasool Wani, Working President Raman Bhalla, and Udhampur candidate Ch Lal Singh have arrived in Delhi for the critical meeting scheduled for this afternoon at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) office. They are joined by former ministers, ex-legislators, senior vice presidents, vice presidents, and heads of frontal organizations of the party, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Adding to the urgency of this meeting are allegations against Vikar Rasool Wani by some party leaders from Kashmir. These leaders have accused Wani of not consulting senior party members and displaying arrogant behavior. While these internal conflicts are expected to be addressed, the primary focus will be on developing a robust strategy for the forthcoming Assembly elections.

Party insiders suggest that despite the internal discord, the AICC leadership is unlikely to replace Wani at this juncture. Instead, the emphasis will be on fostering unity and resolving differences for the party’s overall health and success. AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge is expected to urge the J&K leadership to set aside their differences and work collectively towards a common goal.

The upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are critical for the Congress. The high command aims to introspect on the reasons behind their Lok Sabha defeat, particularly in Jammu and Udhampur constituencies. The meeting will involve a thorough evaluation of the party’s weaknesses and strengths across various Assembly segments, leading to the formulation of an effective roadmap for the future.

While J&K is not included in the AICC’s list for Fact Finding Committees — which are investigating poor performances in states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka — the outcomes of this meeting could significantly influence the Congress’s approach in other regions facing similar challenges.

Most Congress leaders from J&K are expected to arrive in Delhi by Wednesday or Thursday morning, ahead of the crucial afternoon meeting. As the party braces for a rigorous self-assessment and strategic planning session, the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir stands on the cusp of potential transformation. The decisions made in this high-stakes summit could very well determine the Congress’s future trajectory in the region.