Political Tremors in J&K Congress: Digvijay Singh’s Appointment as Observer Sparks Internal Dissent

Alfaaz – The Words Desk

New Delhi/Srinagar: The Indian National Congress finds itself facing growing internal unrest in Jammu and Kashmir following the appointment of senior party leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijay Singh as the AICC Observer for the Union Territory.

According to a formal communication issued by AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, copy of which lies with Alfaaz – The Words, Digvijay Singh has been entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the functioning and engaging in discussions regarding the INC-NC coalition partnership in J&K. The letter further instructs him to coordinate closely with the Jammu and Kashmir in-charge and the PCC President at the earliest.

However, what was meant to be an organizational move ahead of the upcoming panchayat and municipal elections has ignited a wave of discontent within the state unit of the Congress.

Party insiders have expressed concern over what they perceive as overlapping roles and a lack of clarity in the party’s strategy. A senior Congress leader from Jammu, who has been instrumental in the previous INC-NC alliance government, questioned the rationale behind the appointment, asking: “If Digvijay Singh is the observer, then what exactly is the role of Nasir Hussain, the current J&K in-charge?”

Adding to the growing unease, a former J&K minister, speaking on the condition of anonymity, criticized the decision more pointedly: “Digvijay Singh is a seasoned political veteran and former chief minister. Nasir Hussain, while a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, has never fought an election. His lack of direct electoral experience is a serious concern.”

These developments have led to speculation about the Congress high command’s confidence in its current leadership in J&K. Some insiders believe Singh’s appointment is a tactical move to strengthen oversight and control, but others see it as a signal of waning trust in Nasir Hussain’s ability to manage the complex political terrain of the Union Territory.

As elections draw near, such internal friction could adversely affect the Congress’s prospects in the region. The party leadership is now under pressure to issue a clarification and restore a sense of unity and direction within its J&K unit.

The coming days will reveal whether this is a temporary storm — or the onset of a deeper leadership crisis within the Congress in Jammu and Kashmir.