Odisha CM Criticizes Congress-National Conference Alliance Ahead of J&K Polls

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi criticized the Congress for allying with the National Conference (NC) before the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. He questioned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi about the party's stance on issues like a separate J&K flag, cross-border terrorism, and ending the reservation system.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has sharply criticized the Congress for its pre-poll alliance with the National Conference (NC) ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. In a video message, Majhi accused Congress of being 'hungry for power' and demanded clarification from Rahul Gandhi on several contentious issues.

Majhi questioned whether the Congress endorsed the NC's promises, such as a separate flag for Jammu and Kashmir, and expressed concerns about potential unrest and increased terrorism. He also raised questions about the Congress's stance on cross-border terrorism and the future of the reservation system for Dalits, Gujjars, and hill area residents.

The criticism comes in the wake of the NC-Congress alliance's announcement for the first J&K assembly elections since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. The elections will be held in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1, with counting scheduled for October 4.

(With inputs from agencies.)