Vikar Rasool’s leadership, political strategy being questioned
Azhar Hussain
SRINAGAR , June 27: Beneath the surface calm of Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress, simmering tensions may burst out at any time . Reliable sources within the party have pointed to growing discontentment among the party cadres, particularly in the Kashmir division, stemming from feelings of alienation, inefficiency, and misrepresentation.
At the center of this unrest is the party’s State President, Vikar Rasool. Once a close associate of former Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, Vikar rose to his current position during a crucial period when Azad departed to form his own political entity, the Democratic Progressive Azad Party.
The recent setback in Parliamentary elections has intensified the internal critique. Party insiders suggest that this disappointing performance stems from what they describe as a “lack of effective communication and strategic planning” at the leadership level.
Conversations with Congress affiliates in Kashmir reveal a sentiment that the current leadership, rather than focusing on strengthening the party, has become “preoccupied with countering Azad’s influence, often resorting to unnecessary and harsh statements.”
One Congress leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, reflected on missed opportunities: “The Bharat Jodo Yatra gave us a strong start here. We saw massive public engagement as thousands joined the march. However, our leadership couldn’t capitalize on this momentum, leading to a lackluster showing in the Parliamentary elections.”
The dissatisfaction runs deep enough that a group of leaders has reportedly written to the high command, calling for immediate leadership changes. This move highlights what some see as growing concerns about the current leadership’s ability to unite and effectively guide the party.
The party’s high command has taken note of the internal discord and summoned top J&K leaders, including Rasool, to New Delhi for urgent consultations. This move comes amid rising concerns that under Vikar’s leadership, the party is on a downward trajectory, jeopardizing its prospects in the upcoming Assembly Elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
Vikar’s leadership has also been characterized by extreme factionalism, not just in Kashmir but also in Jammu province. He is accused of surrounding himself with tainted and non-political individuals who have no substantial association with the Congress party, further eroding the party’s credibility and effectiveness.
This has led to a scenario where senior party leaders feel marginalized and unable to perform their roles effectively.
Moreover, Vikar’s inexperience is cited as a significant drawback. Many within the party view him as a junior figure who has failed to rise to the occasion. Despite the respect accorded to his position, there is a prevailing concern that his leadership is leading the Congress towards the electoral disaster.
Congress leader G.N. Monga, however, dismissed reports of any internal strife within the J&K Pradesh Congress. “We’ve been in productive meetings with the party’s senior leadership in New Delhi since morning, including an upcoming session with Mr. Rahul Gandhi,” Monga stated telephonically while talking to Kashmir Despatch from Delhi.
“Our focus is squarely on the upcoming Assembly elections in J&K. Claims of discord on the subject of Congress leadership in J&K are unfounded,” he said.
As the J&K Congress navigates these turbulent times, the pressure on Vikar Rasool and the party’s leadership is mounting. With crucial Assembly elections on the horizon, the ability of the Congress to address these internal challenges and present a cohesive and effective front will be pivotal.
The coming weeks will test the resilience and adaptability of the party, determining whether it can unite under new or renewed leadership to regain its footing and restore confidence among its members and supporters.
