Srinagar, CNI: In a significant development ahead of government formation talks in Jammu & Kashmir, the Congress party has taken a firm stand, signaling that it will not settle for anything less than the Deputy Chief Minister’s post in a National Conference (NC)-led coalition government. Senior Congress leaders from South Kashmir have stressed that it was the Congress’ influence and reputation that secured mass support for the NC in the elections. Many voters, they argued, saw Congress as a crucial guarantor that the NC would not ally with the BJP for government formation.
The Congress leader highlighted that the electorate, wary of the NC’s previous associations, cast their votes in good faith because they trusted Congress to ensure the NC stayed committed to a secular front. “People believed it was Congress’ support that served as an affidavit on behalf of the NC, assuring the public that the party would steer clear of any BJP alliance,” the leader said.
The Congress has now made it clear that if their demand for the Deputy Chief Minister’s position is not respected, they will reconsider their role in the coalition. “We are willing to extend only outside support if Congress is sidelined in the government structure,” the leader warned, hinting at the growing frustration within the party ranks.
This development raises the stakes for both Congress and NC, as a failure to reach a respectful power-sharing arrangement could lead to a shift in the balance of the newly emerging political equation in Jammu & Kashmir. Congress, while open to discussions, is firm in its stance that it will no longer compromise on key positions in the government after playing a decisive role in the election outcome CNI