The three-member fact-finding panel constituted by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) chief Mallikarjun Kharge to probe allegations of factionalism, anti-party activities, and organisational indiscipline in the Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Congress has completed its initial exercise and returned to New Delhi after a three-day visit to the Kashmir Valley.
Although the fact-finding team stayed at Srinagar only, leaders from all parts of Jammu and Kashmir were called to the summer capital to seek their opinion about infighting, factionalism, and indiscipline in the local unit.
Sources said the three-panel, which is constituted after senior leaders of the party started washing their dirty linens in public, is expected to submit its report to AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge in the coming days.
Any disciplinary or organisational action against leaders allegedly found involved in anti-party activities is likely to be taken only after the submission and examination of the report by the party high command.
During its stay in Srinagar, the committee held extensive consultations with more than 70 party leaders, including former ministers, former legislators, office-bearers of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC), and representatives of various frontal organisations.
Sources said the panel interacted with several leaders individually, while others met the committee in groups and presented their views on the prevailing situation within the party.
A three-member inquiry panel constituted by the high command on June 12
As infighting among the warring factions of the J&K Congress took an ugly turn, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) on June 12 constituted a three-member inquiry committee to investigate allegations of indiscipline and anti-party activities within the Jammu and Kashmir unit of the party.
The committee comprises senior Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil as Convener, with Dr Amar Singh and Rafeek Khan serving as members.
The panel has been tasked with scrutinising complaints and reports related to alleged indiscipline and activities considered detrimental to the interests of the party in Jammu and Kashmir. It will also examine the circumstances that led to the ongoing internal feud and submit its findings and recommendations to the party leadership.
The formation of the panel is being viewed as a strong signal that the Congress leadership is determined to address factionalism within the Jammu and Kashmir unit and restore organisational discipline ahead of upcoming political challenges.
Sources said the incumbent Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) leadership has submitted material, including video clips, allegedly showing some leaders publicly levelling serious allegations against fellow party members. These materials are expected to be examined by the inquiry committee as part of its investigation.
The inquiry committee was constituted shortly after five senior Congress leaders from Jammu and Kashmir were summoned to New Delhi for a crucial meeting aimed at defusing tensions between rival factions and restoring unity within the organisation.
Those who had attended the meeting included AICC General Secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir, JKPCC President Tariq Hamid Karra, JKPCC Working President Raman Bhalla, former JKPCC President Vikar Rasool Wani, and former Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand.
The nearly two-hour meeting reportedly concluded with a firm message from the party high command, directing all leaders to refrain from taking internal disputes to public forums and instead focus on strengthening the organisation.
The report prepared by the fact-finding committee and further action on the recommendation is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the Congress leadership’s future strategy in Jammu and Kashmir.
With the completion of the fact-finding exercise, the focus has now shifted to the party high command, which is expected to take a final call on the recommendations and any consequential action after receiving the panel’s report.
Comments are closed.