SRINAGAR: Dr Waleed Tariq Karra, son of Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Chief Tariq Hamid Karra, has announced his transition from being a full-time medical professional to entering mainstream politics, continuing his family’s three-generation political legacy.
Dr Waleed, a former Resident Dermatologist at GMC Srinagar said that his decision to enter politics was primarily motivated by his father’s desire to uphold the family’s longstanding commitment to public service.
“I was initially reluctant towards politics; my interests were sports, poetry, and music. However, the legacy of political service carried forward by my father and other family members compelled me to take on this new role,” he said.
Dr Waleed revealed that he had been preparing to contest the 2024 Assembly elections from the Eidgah constituency. However, due to a pre-poll alliance agreement, he had to withdraw his candidacy.
Having officially joined the Congress as a party worker, Dr Waleed expressed no interest in holding any official post. His primary focus, he said, is grassroots development and serving the people of the Central Shalteng constituency, where he is already actively involved under his father’s guidance.
He added that he has assumed charge of the works committee, responsible for overseeing developmental initiatives and addressing local concerns in the Central Shalteng constituency.
Dr Waleed emphasised his commitment to tackling pressing issues in the constituency, noting that he has been acting as an “unofficial” representative. Recently, he oversaw snow clearance efforts and worked on resolving winter-related challenges such as electricity disruptions.
He also expressed plans to collaborate with the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) to create a sustainable, futuristic model for urban development, drawing inspiration from global standards seen in countries like the United States and Europe. (KNO)
