Congress asserts Rahul is not competing with Omar Abdullah

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The Congress Party has rubbished reports of there being competition between its general secretary Rahul Gandhi and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to gain popularity.

Reacting to such rumors in wake of Gandhi meeting a delegation of village headmen from Kashmir, Congress spokesperson Rashid Alvi said: "Not at all. I don't agree with you that this is something to do with Omar versus Rahulji. We want that the Government of Kashmir should provide adequate security to Panch and Sarpanch (village heads)."

It was earlier suggested that Rahul Gandhi was trying to gain public support through his meeting with the village representatives, and take away some of the clout currently enjoyed by Omar Abdullah at that level.

Earlier on April 16, militants had pasted posters asking elected village council members to relinquish their posts within a week or face fatal consequences.

In response to poser pertaining to national politics, Alvi remained evasive on whether a major reshuffle of the cabinet is in the offing.

"Only the Prime Minister has the powers to decide on cabinet reshuffling. I am not competent enough to answer such questions. It is only the prerogative of the Prime Minister to answer these questions," added Alvi.