||Black and White Digital News ||

||September 11,2024 ||

JAMMU : In the lead-up to the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly elections, concerns are being raised from within the Congress party regarding its disorganized campaign strategy. Core workers and party insiders have voiced frustration, stating that the Congress leadership—both at the state and central levels—has failed to announce its official candidates for crucial constituencies like Chamb, Suchetgarh, Akhnoor, and Kathua. This indecision has become a point of concern, especially as the BJP has already fielded strong candidates who are vigorously campaigning.

One Congress worker lamented that the party is lagging behind in comparison to the BJP’s aggressive election approach. “The BJP is not only organized but has Union Ministers accompanying their candidates for filing nominations, while our senior leaders are missing,” they said. This sentiment reflects a broader concern that key Congress leaders in J&K seem more focused on securing their own positions rather than strengthening the party as a whole.

Despite years of criticism by Congress leaders towards the central government for delaying the elections, their lackluster performance now that the Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced elections is surprising. Party insiders note that there is no visible momentum among Congress workers due to internal factionalism. As a result, weak candidates have been selected in many constituencies, which could make it easier for the BJP to dominate.

One example of internal conflict is Chamb constituency, where former Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand is adamant about contesting from an open seat rather than the SC-reserved Akhnoor, a decision causing confusion within the ranks. At the same time, strong candidates like Satish Sharma, the son of former MP Madan Lal, are seeking the mandate in Chamb, bolstered by significant public support.

However, there is growing discontent over the absence of senior Congress leaders in the Jammu office, and the state in-charge is also notably absent from the scene. This lack of leadership presence has left many workers demoralized, as there is no clear direction or strategy to rally the party ahead of a pivotal election. As the BJP surges forward with its campaign machinery, the Congress seems to be struggling with internal divisions and strategic missteps that could cost them dearly in the upcoming elections.

The Congress worker concluded, “If this continues, BJP will easily win the contest, as our party’s weak candidates and lack of unity are setting us up for defeat.”

Tariq Hameed Karra