Power Shift in JKPCC: Vikar Rasool’s Absence Sparks Speculation Amid Karra’s Grand Reception.
What Vikar Rasool’s No-Show Means for J&K Politics?
||Black and White Digital News||
||August ||20 ,2024 ||
Jammu : The winds of change are blowing through the corridors of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) as Tariq Hameed Karra, a seasoned politician, assumes the mantle of leadership. However, the absence of the outgoing JKPCC chief, Vikar Rasool Wani, at the felicitation ceremony for Karra in Srinagar has raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about the underlying dynamics within the party.
While Karra, in his diplomatic style, sought to downplay Wani’s absence, the conspicuous no-show of the former chief at such a significant event cannot be ignored. “Vikar Rasool Wani is busy in his constituency in Banihal due to pre-scheduled programs, so he could not attend today’s function,” Karra explained to the media when asked about Wani’s absence.
However, the presence of senior Congress leaders, including working presidents Raman Bhalla and Tara Chand, who traveled from Jammu to attend the function, only amplified Wani’s absence. As the first public reception of Karra, the event was intended to be a demonstration of unity and strength within the party. Yet, Wani’s decision to remain in Banihal during this crucial transition has sparked conversations about potential rifts or dissatisfaction within the ranks.
Karra, ever the seasoned politician, was quick to dispel any notions of discord. “Vikar Rasool Wani is not upset after being removed from the post of the JKPCC chief. In fact, he has been elevated as a member of the high-power Congress Working Committee (CWC),” Karra said. He emphasized that having two leaders from Jammu and Kashmir on the CWC is a matter of pride for the region’s Congress workers.
Indeed, Wani’s removal from the JKPCC presidency on August 16 and his subsequent nomination to the CWC has been a significant shift in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. The decision, as per the order issued by K.C. Venugopal, the general secretary of the organization, also saw the appointment of Tara Chand and Raman Bhalla as working presidents, with Karra replacing Wani at the helm.
“Congress President has also appointed Vikar Rasool Wani as a Special Invitee to the Congress Working Committee, with immediate effect,” the order read, indicating that Wani’s influence within the party remains significant, albeit in a different capacity. The order also acknowledged Karra’s elevation from his previous role as a permanent invitee to the CWC, a move that underscores the trust and confidence the party leadership has in him.
The party has expressed its appreciation for Wani’s contributions during his tenure as JKPCC president, a position he assumed in August 2022 after succeeding former minister Ghulam Ahmad Mir. Wani, a former legislator from Banihal, chose to lead the JKPCC over joining the newly formed party of veteran politician Ghulam Nabi Azad. His leadership was marked by navigating the party through a challenging political environment in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the aftermath of the abrogation of Article 370.
As Karra steps into the role of JKPCC chief, the challenges ahead are formidable. The political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir is as volatile as ever, with the Congress party needing to assert its relevance amid the region’s evolving dynamics. The absence of Wani at Karra’s reception may be downplayed publicly, but it serves as a reminder of the delicate balance of power within the party.
In the coming days, the focus will be on how Karra steers the JKPCC through these turbulent times, whether Wani’s new role on the CWC will enhance the party’s influence, and how these shifts will impact the broader political scenario in Jammu and Kashmir. The stage is set for a new chapter in JKPCC’s history, but the questions surrounding Wani’s absence hint at underlying tensions that may yet come to the fore.
