JNM Journalist Hardeep Jamwal, Jammu
The long-simmering internal discord between the National Conference (NC) and the Congress—partners in Jammu and Kashmir’s ruling coalition government—has now surfaced openly. On Friday, a heated exchange between leaders and workers of both parties during a development review meeting in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district quickly escalated into a scuffle and an uproar. This incident has raised questions regarding the future of the alliance between the two coalition partners.
According to reports, Congress MLA from Bandipora, Nizamuddin Bhat, had convened the meeting to review development works in the Naidkhai area. Local administrative officials, Panchayat representatives, and workers from both parties were in attendance. The atmosphere turned tense during the proceedings.
Eyewitnesses stated that some National Conference workers walked out of the meeting in anger. They returned shortly after, accompanied by Jalal Akbar Lone, a leader from Sonawari. A fierce argument ensued, with allegations of slogan-shouting, chairs being hurled, and a scuffle breaking out. However, those present at the venue intervened to pacify the situation.
Following the incident, Congress MLA Nizamuddin Bhat leveled serious allegations, stating that the meeting was organized solely to review development projects and seek an account of funds spent on government schemes. He noted that approximately two crore rupees had been spent on rural development schemes over the past year and a half, and details regarding this expenditure were being sought. This apparently angered some individuals, leading to the disruption of the meeting.
Demanding immediate intervention from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and action against the culprits, he warned that if such incidents continued, it could directly impact the Congress-NC alliance. He further alleged that the administrative machinery was being hampered by constant political interference, with some officials even seeking transfers due to the pressure they were facing. A Congress MLA has alleged that certain local leaders are obstructing development work in the Nayadkhai area to maintain their political hold. He states that while the area was incorporated into the Bandipora Assembly constituency following the delimitation process, some individuals still view it as their own sphere of influence.
Meanwhile, the National Conference has dismissed these allegations. Sahil Bhat, a local party leader, stated that the incident involved merely a verbal altercation between party workers—a matter that is now being unnecessarily blown out of proportion. He maintained that no physical assault took place and that attempts are being made to politicize the entire issue.
This incident has sparked a fresh debate regarding coalition politics in Jammu and Kashmir. Political analysts believe that if the growing differences between the two parties are not resolved in time, the coalition government could face new challenges in the near future.
