Tariq Hamid Kalla, the Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Congress Committee (JKPCC), recently expressed that the National Congress Alliance is open to collaborating with other like-minded parties to form a government in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking to reporters during a Gandhi Jayanti event at the Congress headquarters, Kalla emphasized that the alliance has strong public support, primarily driven by the desire to prevent the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from gaining power.
Kalla stated, “If necessary, we are open to discussions with like-minded forces, parties, or individuals,” indicating a willingness to consult with coalition partners if additional support is required. He refrained from labeling any specific party as like-minded but mentioned that the alliance aims to unite those opposing the “repressive and oppressive” policies of the BJP.
In addition, Kalla raised concerns about the Lieutenant Governor’s recent nomination of five Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, calling it part of an “evil design” that undermines the democratic process in the region.
Regarding the upcoming elections on October 8, Kalla dismissed independent candidates as “spoilers,” arguing that their presence is an attempt by the central government to split votes and disempower the people of Kashmir. He criticized the current political climate under the BJP, claiming that imprisonment is used against anyone opposing their ideology, regardless of their background.
Kalla also challenged the BJP’s claims of peace in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that what they describe as calm is actually an atmosphere of fear. He insisted that true peace exists in people’s hearts but is overshadowed by fear due to oppressive policies. Kalla concluded by stating that public sentiment is against such interference in religious affairs and oppressive governance.
