)
The failure of the Omar Abdullah government to effectively deal with the Jammu and Kashmir floods has left the Congress, the alliance partner in the ruling combine, embarrassed. The Congress was also at the receiving end of the public anger, and its leaders, including Saifuddin Soz, were heckled by flood victims. Insensitive comments by the chief minister added fuel to the fire. This, even as the Congress and National Conference won’t be fighting the coming Assembly elections together.
However, the Congress’ response has been weak. Speaking to reporters here, party spokesperson Salman Khurshid said, “This is not the time to ask for accountability.” He said the need of the hour was to focus on relief and rescue, so that the people are safe and secure and get adequate help.
The relief and rescue efforts are being undertaken by the Army and central forces. The state government has done little to mitigate the suffering of the people.
In her bid to control the damage, Congress President Sonia Gandhi has constituted a committee under General Secretary Ambika Soni, with senior leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad and Soz as members. Soni has been dispatched to Srinagar to take charge and do whatever was necessary for relief and rescue.
