Cong confident of mending fences with National Conference

The two parties who have been allies since 2008, are divided over the proposed restructuring of administrative units in J&K

Despite the simmering differences between the Congress and its ally in Jammu and Kashmir, the National Conference, the Congress today appeared confident that the problems would be resolved soon. The two parties who are allies since 2008, are divided over the proposed restructuring of administrative units in the state.

While Chief minister Omar Abdullah had dug in his heels over the National Conference’s  intent to set up 700 new administrative units in the state, the Congress he alleged was stalling it. Omar Abdullah was reportedly contemplating stepping down if this move was thwarted.

Congress spokesman Randeep Singh Surjewala today stated, “That's the beauty of democracy. Allies are entitled to their opinion. We'll sort this out when we sit together.”

Till late last night Congress senior leaders met in the capital to make headway on the issue.

Tara Chand Sharma, a senior Congress leader and deputy chief minister of the state, who attended the meeting told PTI that the Congress was now contemplating 2000 or so administrative units. “The Mushtaq Ganaie Committee had recommended 700 new administrative units but the figure may go up to 2000 or more,” he said. The committee had proposed reorganising the structure to bring administration to people's doorsteps.

NC chief Farooque Abdullah also a Union Minister, told journalists that Omar is said to be thinking of resigning over the issue and would take the final call on the alliance. "This is not going to benefit one party but credit will go to both the parties," Abdullah said.

“There are some people with vested interests who are trying to create mistrust between the coalition partners,” added Abdullah. In the 87-member assembly while the NC has  28 members, the Congress has 17 MLAs.