Srinagar- Tensions between the ruling alliance partners in Jammu and Kashmir have intensified, with the Congress accusing the National Conference (NC) of“repeated betrayal of trust” and sidelining its MLAs in governance, following a row over the Rajya Sabha elections.

The J&K unit of the Congress submitted a scathing report to the party high command on Tuesday, alleging that the NC reneged on its commitment to provide the party a 'safe seat' in the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls. Sources said the report detailed grievances over what Congress called NC's violation of coalition dharma and marginalization of Congress leaders over the past year.

“The party leadership in Jammu and Kashmir is anguished over the backtracking of commitment by the National Conference leadership with senior leader Sonia Gandhi over Rajya Sabha polls,” sources said, adding that mounting pressure exists on the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) leadership to consider pulling out of the government.

Congress J&K chief Tariq Hamid Karra described the NC's refusal to grant a safe seat as a“blatant betrayal” and claimed the move was a tactical step away from the INDIA alliance. Speaking on Sunday at a party meeting, he accused the NC leadership of having“questionable motives” since the formation of the alliance government.

“By backtracking on the promise of providing a single safe seat in the forthcoming Rajya Sabha elections, the National Conference is tactically moving away from the INDIA alliance,” Karra said. He emphasised that Congress initially joined hands with the NC for the“higher purpose” of restoring dignity and countering divisive forces in Jammu and Kashmir.

Karra also accused the NC of disregarding alliance principles by not forming a coordination committee to ensure smooth governance and sidelining Congress in decision-making, particularly on matters like statehood restoration. He further criticised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for statements perceived as favouring the BJP and undermining Congress's role.

The NC had announced three candidates for the Rajya Sabha and offered the fourth to Congress, which declined to contest the“riskier” seat. Omar Abdullah reportedly denied that any commitment was made to Congress regarding a safe seat, despite claims that NC president Farooq Abdullah had assured one to senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi.

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