Ahead of elections, war of words between Cong and NC in JK

Ahead of the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, coalition partners Congress and National Conference (NC) have indulged in a war of words with the Congress saying that though it had two third majority in 1975, it had handed over power to Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah.
Taking strong exception of NC provincial president Devinder Singh Rana's statement on the strength of Congress in the state, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) spokesperson Ravinder Sharma said, he (Rana) needs to refresh his memory that it was the Congress, which had two third majority, but handed over power to Sheikh Abdullah in 1975, keeping in view the larger interests of the nation and the state's people.

Sheikh Mohmmad Abdullah is the father of Union Minister Farooq Abdullah and grandfather of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
"It is unfortunate that Rana is not aware of Congress party's history, which always played a crucial role in the state in order to wean away forces from the path of separatism and secessionism, to strengthen mainstream politics and democracy in the state," Sharma said.
Congress always promoted secular forces in the state and for this purpose entered into alliance, from time to time, to provide democratic governments, he said.
It is with this responsibility that Congress entered into an alliance with NC, which was in wilderness from 2002 to 2008, Sharma said adding, the present coalition will last its full term.