Omar hits back, PCC chief Tariq Karra strongly condemns Wani's remarks
Jammu Tawi, Sept 09: All is not well between the alliance partners Congress and National Conference (NC) over the salvo fired by former Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Vikar Rasool Wani, when he alleged that NC's red flag has blood on it.
The incumbent PCC president Tariq Hameed Harra had to intervene and disassociated himself and Congress party from Wani's remarks.
Karra strongly condemned the derogatory remarks and unparliamentary language against the NC leadership used by Vikar Rasool Wani, who is also Congress party's candidate during a programme in Banihal last evening.
“NC has sucked the blood of people and their red flag symbolizes that it has blood of people on it and especially of people of Banihal,” Wani had said and told people to ask NC as to how much work they have done in Banihal. “They even denied us a college degree for 70 years,” Wani added.
This hasn't gone well with NC and Congress leadership while Karra didn't mince any words to condemn Wani's statement.
Omar Abdullah criticised Wani, for his remarks against the NC at a public meeting and said though he has decided not to speak about the rival candidates, his utterances cannot be brushed aside.
“He is talking bad about our leadership, our party flag and even our party founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. I want to ask him about his praises for us when I was sitting beside him campaigning for the Congress MP candidate through this town some two months back.
“Either he was telling lies at that time or is speaking lies this time. Both cannot be true. He was removed from the post of PCC (Pradesh Congress Committee) chief immediately after the sounding of election bugle in J&K as his party did not find him worthy for that position so why should people vote for him,” he said.
“The Congress Party disassociates itself from such statements and condemns the use of such language. We have great respect for Late Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah and Dr. Farooq Abdullah, who is one of the most senior and respected political leaders of J&K. The INC and NC are fighting the upcoming elections in alliance against the BJP and will continue to fight for the dignity and rights of the people of J&K,” PCC Chief said.
“Such statements are unacceptable and go against the values of democracy and respect for political opponents,” Karra added and urged all political leaders to maintain dignity and respect in their public discourse.
“We reiterate our commitment to the alliance and our joint fight against the BJP's divisive politics. We will continue to work together to protect the interests of J&K and its people,” he said.
The NC and Congress party are fighting Assembly elections in Jammu Kashmir in alliance but on five seats including Banihal they have agreed for what they termed a ‘friendly contest'.
