Odisha CM Questions Congress Alliance with National Conference Ahead of J&K Elections

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi criticised the Congress for allying with the National Conference (NC) before the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. He accused the Congress of being power-hungry and demanded clarification from Rahul Gandhi on whether his party supports NC's promise of a separate flag for Jammu and Kashmir.

Majhi questioned if the Congress endorses unrest in Jammu and Kashmir by potentially increasing terrorist activities. He asked, "Does the Congress support any unrest in Jammu and Kashmir by increasing terrorist activities once again? Will the Congress have the support to promote separatists by talking to the arch-enemy Pakistan, instead of establishing peace by talking to the people of Jammu and Kashmir?"

Concerns Over Cross-Border Terrorism

The Odisha chief minister also raised concerns about cross-border terrorism. He queried, "Will the Congress party support the cross-border terrorism by opening trade with Pakistan? Will this not affect the local ecosystem?" Majhi sought clarity on whether the Congress backs NC's decision to offer government jobs to individuals involved in terrorism and stone-pelting activities.

Majhi alleged that there was a conspiracy to end the reservation system by the Congress and its alliance partners. He stated, "The National Conference is going to mete out injustice by ending the reservation system for Dalits, Gujjars and the residents of hill areas. Will the Congress support this?"

Reservation System and Name Changes

The chief minister further questioned if the Congress would support NC's plan to change names of significant landmarks. He asked whether they would back renaming Shankaracharya Mountain to Takht-e-Sulaiman and Hari Parbat to Koh-e-Maran. Majhi insisted that the Congress must clarify its stance on these issues.

The National Conference announced a pre-poll alliance with the Congress for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. This will be the first election since Article 370 was abrogated in August 2019. The elections for the 90-member assembly will be held in three phases: September 18, September 25, and October 1, with vote counting on October 4.

Majhi's questions highlight significant concerns regarding potential policies and actions that could impact Jammu and Kashmir's stability. The chief minister's demands for clarification from Rahul Gandhi underscore the political tensions surrounding this alliance ahead of the elections.