Congress has begun restructuring its organisational setup in Jammu and Kashmir to strengthen the party and reclaim its position as a force in the region.
The removal of Bharatsinh Solanki as the party's Jammu and Kashmir in-charge signals the party’s commitment to setting its house in order.
This move follows a 15-day campaign in Jammu for statehood, which began on February 13.
The campaign, titled "Hamari Riyasat Hamara Haq" (Our State, Our Right), is led by JKPCC chief Tariq Hameed Karra from Udhampur and aims to mobilise public support for the demand.
Through this initiative, Congress seeks to take the lead in advocating for the return of statehood.
The reshuffle also indicates a shift in Congress thinking amid growing frustration with the National Conference’s approach.
Sources suggest the party is focusing on strengthening its structure and reconnecting with the public to emerge stronger.
Congress is, reportedly, unhappy with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s frequent visits to Delhi for meetings with BJP leaders.
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In the recent assembly elections, Congress, as part of the ruling alliance, secured only six seats—five in Kashmir and one in Jammu. The party’s poor performance in Jammu has prompted an internal review to understand the reasons behind the setback.
Senior party leaders have reached out to members in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as grassroots workers, to devise a revival strategy.
Leaders who previously left Congress to join Ghulam Nabi Azad’s Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) are expected to return.
Recently, Taj Mohiuddin, who had left a few years ago, rejoined the party. Congress is also investigating allegations that some leaders prioritised personal interests over party welfare.
The denial of a ticket to Satish Sharma, son of the late Congress leader Madan Lal Sharma, has been cited as a failure of the party leadership in Jammu and Kashmir to identify the right candidates.
Sharma contested as an independent candidate from Chhamb and won. After the government was formed, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inducted Sharma into the cabinet. A senior Congress leader told THE WEEK that fielding outsiders in a few constituencies did not sit well with local party workers.
"Two such candidates emerged victorious, it could have performed better if it had fielded its own candidates," the leader said. "These outsiders didn’t win because of their popularity but due to the anti-BJP sentiment in Kashmir."
Despite these challenges, the party’s leadership is determined to hold members accountable. The removal of Solanki is seen as a clear message that underperformance will not be tolerated.