Taj Mohiuddin, G.M. Saroori Rejoin Congress in Srinagar, Marking Major Boost for Party in J&K

Leaders Apologise for Past Departures, Vow to Strengthen Congress Ahead of Local Polls

Srinagar, June 28 — In a significant political development in Jammu and Kashmir, two former ministers — Taj Mohiuddin and Ghulam Mohammad Saroori — formally rejoined the Congress party on Friday, reaffirming their allegiance in the presence of top leadership.

The joining ceremony, held in Srinagar, was attended by All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary in charge of Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Syed Naseer Hussain, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Tariq Hameed Karra, and senior Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Ghulam Ahmad Mir.

Welcoming the leaders back into the party fold, Dr. Hussain described the move as a “major boost” for Congress in the Union Territory. “This is just the beginning. Many other prominent political figures are in touch with the leadership and are keen to return to the Congress family,” he said.

Taj Mohiuddin, while addressing party workers, stated that he had always remained emotionally and ideologically connected with the Congress. “I believe I had never truly left the party, but was on leave. Today I return to my roots as a loyal soldier of the Congress,” he said, while also offering an apology to workers for his departure.

Saroori, echoing similar sentiments, admitted that political errors had been made and expressed gratitude to the Congress leadership for welcoming him back. “We are thankful to the leadership of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Dr. Syed Naseer Hussain, Tariq Hameed Karra, and Ghulam Ahmad Mir. Mistakes do happen; we accept them and apologise,” he said. Saroori pledged to work tirelessly to strengthen the party in Jammu and Kashmir.

JKPCC President Karra termed the return of the two seasoned leaders as “politically meaningful”, noting that both had made substantial contributions to the party over the years. “Their rejoining will energise our cadre and enhance the party’s reach across various constituencies,” he said.

CWC member and CLP Leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir highlighted the Congress party’s legacy in addressing people’s issues in the region and underlined the increased responsibilities the party faces in the current political climate.

Dr. Hussain, who is on a three-day tour of the region following his appointment as AICC in-charge for Jammu and Kashmir, reiterated that the party was preparing to contest the upcoming local bodies elections with renewed vigour. In a significant political signal, Karra and Mir indicated that the Congress would not be forming an alliance with the National Conference in the forthcoming polls.