NC Says Not Informed About Delhi Protest, Questions Coordination
Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar,(DD) Differences have surfaced between the National Conference (NC) and the Congress over the recent protest held in New Delhi demanding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. The NC on Tuesday expressed surprise and dissatisfaction, stating it was not informed or consulted about the protest despite being an INDIA bloc ally.
NC vice-president Omar Abdullah told reporters in Ganderbal that his party “came to know about the Delhi protest through the media” and had received no formal communication from the Congress leadership regarding the event. “The never sought our support or invited us,” Abdullah said, adding that such actions raise questions about coordination and mutual respect within the opposition alliance.
The Congress, on the other hand, led a symbolic protest at Jantar Mantar where senior leaders including K.C. Venugopal, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, and Vikar Rasool Wani reiterated their demand for immediate restoration of statehood and early elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
Political observers view the development as a sign of friction within the INDIA bloc, particularly over decision-making processes involving J&K affairs. “If parties aren’t consulted on key events, it reflects a lack of synergy which could hurt the opposition’s credibility,” said political analyst Prof. Noor Ahmad Baba.
This isn’t the first time NC has aired concerns about being sidelined. In previous INDIA bloc meetings, the party has emphasized the need for clarity and unity in approach, especially on issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and democratic rights.
While both NC and Congress maintain that they are committed to the larger opposition unity, the incident has once again brought intra-bloc differences into the spotlight ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls(DD)