Avinash Azad
In what could spell trouble for the National Conference (NC)-Congress alliance with the Congress Party, a viral video featuring Mian Altaf, Member of Parliament from Rajouri-Anantnag, has sparked widespread controversy.
In the video, Altaf, who is also a prominent religious leader with a significant following among the Gujjar-Bakkerwal community, is heard criticizing the alliance and distancing himself from it.
The dissent from Mian Altaf, who holds a strong influence over his constituency, could blur the electoral prospects of both NC and Congress as they prepare for the upcoming assembly elections. Altaf’s sharp criticism, combined with his refusal to campaign for the alliance, is expected to deepen the political divide between the two parties.
“By aligning with the Congress, the National Conference has harmed itself and set itself back 20 years in politics,” Altaf can be heard saying in the undated video. He further added, “They chose to form an alliance, so they should deal with it. I didn’t take any responsibility for it. Why should I go to campaign for the alliance? I have my own commitments. What do I need it for?”
Altaf’s comments have caused an uproar within the NC-Congress alliance, with senior leaders from both parties expressing frustration and concern over the potential fallout. Party insiders fear that this public dissent could lead to a ripple effect, with other disgruntled leaders possibly contesting elections independently, thus weakening the alliance’s chances at the polls.
Political analysts believe that Mian Altaf’s influence over the Gujjar-Bakkerwal community, a key voting bloc in several constituencies, could pose a major challenge for the alliance, especially if he continues to remain at odds with the NC leadership.
“If the National Conference is upset with me, so be it; they are already upset with me, and there is a family feud between Mehbooba [Mufti] and them,” he added, hinting at deeper rifts within the regional political landscape.
As the assembly elections draw near, the NC-Congress alliance may find itself struggling to maintain unity amid growing internal dissent, with Mian Altaf’s statements adding fuel to an already tense political environment.
This latest development raises serious questions about the alliance’s future and whether it can withstand the pressure from within. The coming days will be critical for the leadership of both NC and Congress as they attempt to navigate the fallout and reassure their supporters.
