SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) on Thursday reaffirmed its principled stance of staying out of the regional cabinet until the Union Government fully restores the fundamental rights stripped from the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing reporters, JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra made it clear that while the National Conference (NC) has extended an invitation to join the council of ministers, Congress remains committed to its core political position.

“Congress has adhered to this principled stance for the past year. We will not accept any ministerial berths until the Central Government restores the democratic and constitutional rights that were snatched from the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” Karra affirmed.

He noted that this position is firmly backed by Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge and the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, both of whom have pledged the party’s unwavering support for the political restoration of the Union Territory.

Alliance Support with Independent Voice on Public Issues

Clarifying the dynamics between the ruling allies, the JKPCC Chief emphasized that Congress stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the National Conference against political maneuvers by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, he stressed that alliance partnership would not deter Congress from fiercely advocating for public welfare.

“Whenever the National Conference faces any pressure or hostility from the BJP, it will find Congress standing firmly beside it. But that does not mean we will turn a blind eye to public hardships—be it skyrocketing inflation, power crisis, electricity billing, or soaring cooking gas prices,” Karra stated.

Call for Electricity Amnesty & Humane Governance

Expressing deep concern over the recent electricity tariff revision, Karra urged the administration to adopt an empathetic, citizen-centric approach. He advocated for a one-time relief scheme for financially struggling households burdened with outstanding dues.

• Amnesty on Pending Dues: “Instead of hiking power rates, the government ought to announce a one-time amnesty scheme. Marginal consumers are currently burdened with unpaid bills ranging from Rs 20,000 to over Rs 1 lakh,” Karra pointed out.
• Stop Inhumane Disconnections: He strongly criticized the utility department’s aggressive disconnection drives during extreme weather conditions, remarking that cutting off power during peak summers in the Jammu plains or freezing winters in the Kashmir valley is utterly unacceptable.

Rebuttal to BJP’s Criticism

Hitting back at the BJP over its repeated targeting of the NC-led administration on poll commitments, the Congress leader questioned the saffron party’s moral authority on governance in Jammu and Kashmir.

Karra concluded by questioning the achievements of the BJP during its tenure under the so-called “double-engine government,” stating that the party has no moral ground to question an elected administration over challenges it miserably failed to resolve while at the helm.