Why are Congress and Rahul mum on Omar's rule in Kashmir?

The people of Kashmir are strong enough to handle the National Conference. But what about the soul-searching Congress, asks Aditi Phadnis

The Congress has some members who are supportive of and sympathetic to Anna Hazare. They were out there in full view at the meeting of Congress Members of Parliament that was addressed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in August, at the end of the monsoon session of Parliament.

"They (party managers) are ridiculing Anna Hazare without realising that he is speaking for the people, raising their problems effectively. If the government, Parliament and other constitutional institutions do not deliver, then such agitations are bound to emerge," MPs said privately.

Rajasthan MP Prabha Thakur said, "When our children ask us why the government is being so tough with people who are asking for tougher action against corruption, we don't know what to say."

Much the same question is being asked by party members in relation to Jammu and Kashmir where the party is supporting the National Conference government led by Omar Abdullah.


Image: Supporters of Anna Hazare paint a sketch during a protest against corruption