Infighting in the faction-ridden Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Congress is likely to intensify with the “promotion” of dissident leaders at the national level.
Over a month after appointing dissident leader Vikar Rasool Wani as an All India Congress Committee (AICC) observer for the party’s Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan in Delhi, the Congress high command on April 23 elevated another dissident leader, Karan Bhagat, as National Coordinator of the Scheduled Caste wing of the party.
On December 11, 2025, the incumbent Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC), headed by Tariq Hamid Karra, had “disowned” Karan Bhagat, then chairman of the party’s Scheduled Caste wing, for organising an unauthorised function and allegedly creating indiscipline within the party.
However, on April 23, the same leader—earlier disowned by the J&K unit—was appointed as one of the national coordinators of the AICC Scheduled Caste Department, with the party high command acknowledging his dedication and commitment.
The development has stirred fresh political ripples within the faction-ridden JKPCC, with Bhagat’s elevation being seen as a clear message to the UT leadership led by Karra.
Earlier, on March 17, AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K. C. Venugopal appointed Wani as an observer for the organisational campaign in the Delhi unit, signalling continued confidence in the former JKPCC president.
A former minister and ex-JKPCC chief, Wani has emerged as a prominent critic of the current J&K Congress leadership. Sources indicate that he has been actively mobilising party leaders and workers against the incumbent leadership. His removal as JKPCC president in August 2024, shortly after the announcement of Assembly elections, marked a turning point in the party’s internal dynamics, with Karra taking over the reins.
Following his ouster, Wani launched a sharp campaign against Karra. However, instead of curbing dissent, the Congress high command has continued to repose faith in him. Once considered a close associate of Ghulam Nabi Azad, Wani has since been entrusted with key organisational responsibilities, including membership in the Congress Working Committee and multiple observer roles.
“After acknowledging his good work as chairman of the SC wing of the party in J&K, Karan Bhagat has been promoted by assigning him an important role at the national level,” said Teena Choudhary, AICC national coordinator of the SC wing.
“The promotion of Karan Bhagat indicates that the Congress leadership encourages and elevates dedicated and committed workers,” she added, expressing confidence that he would continue to work with greater dedication.
Over four months after being disowned by the J&K unit, Bhagat’s appointment as National Coordinator of the AICC Scheduled Caste Department has been seen as a significant move that has embarrassed the UT leadership.
The appointment was announced through an official communication issued by K. C. Venugopal.
Notably, on December 11, 2025, the JKPCC had publicly distanced itself from Bhagat, terming his activities “highly objectionable and unauthorised.” The party had then declared that he stood “disowned pending further action” over charges of indiscipline, anti-party activities, and alleged baseless accusations against the leadership.
The controversy had erupted after Bhagat organised a function under the banner of the SC Department, which the UT Congress leadership described as “illegal” and “unauthorised.” However, the event received backing from AICC SC Department in-charge Teena Choudhary, who strongly objected to the JKPCC’s stand.
Choudhary termed the UT leadership’s statement “unwarranted and defamatory,” asserting that it had “no authority” to question a programme conducted under the mandate of the AICC SC Department. She had also announced her intention to lodge a formal complaint against the J&K leadership for undermining the department’s autonomy.
The party had also claimed that Bhagat’s candidature for the 2024 Assembly elections was rejected by the high command on merit following “serious complaints” regarding his conduct and reputation. It further expressed concern over the participation of certain party leaders in what it described as an unauthorised event, especially in the absence of a duly appointed chairman of the SC Department after Bhagat’s resignation via social media.
Senior Congress leader and working president Raman Bhalla had also criticised Bhagat, alleging that he misled party workers into attending the event and accusing him of indulging in “undesirable activities” and using “foul language”.
Despite earlier disciplinary action and sharp criticism from the UT leadership, Bhagat’s elevation to a national-level organisational role signals a clear endorsement by the party high command.
Party sources indicated that the appointment is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the Congress’s organisational structure and outreach among marginalised communities across the country. Bhagat’s inclusion from Jammu and Kashmir is being viewed as recognition of his grassroots engagement and commitment to party programmes.
Reacting to his appointment, Karan Bhagat expressed gratitude to the party leadership for reposing faith in him. He described the new responsibility as both an honour and a challenge and vowed to work towards strengthening the party at the grassroots level.
“I sincerely thank the Congress high command for entrusting me with this responsibility. I will work tirelessly to expand the party’s base and connect with people across Jammu and Kashmir, addressing their concerns effectively,” Bhagat said.
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