Srinagar, Sep 9 (Reporter) A day after sulking former chief of J&K Congress Vikar Rasool Wani attempted to stoke a controversy by making some scathing comments against alliance partner National Conference (NC), his party was in a damage-control mode on Monday as it slammed him for the "derogatory" remarks. The NC, which Wani accused of "sucking the blood" of the people, also played down his remarks. Wani, while addressing an election rally in Banihal on Sunday, targeted the NC, accusing it of exploiting the people of the area from where he is seeking a third term as an MLA. He attacked the flag of the NC which has a plough as a symbol, saying the Red colour in it symbolises the blood of the people. Wani, who was removed as J&K Congress chief a few weeks back, also challenged NC leaders, including its chief Farooq Abdullah and Vice President Omar Abdullah, to a debate with him on their contributions to the region’s development. J&K Congress president Tariq Karra, while going into a damage-control mode, condemned Wani's remarks and termed those as "derogatory" and "unparliamentary".Karra emphasised that the Congress strongly disassociates itself from Wani's comments. He reaffirmed respect for NC's leadership, including the late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and Farooq Abdullah. "The INC and NC are united in fighting the upcoming elections in alliance against the BJP and will continue to work for the dignity and rights of the people of J&K," Karra said. He urged all political figures to maintain decorum in public discourse, reiterating the alliance's commitment to stand against the BJP's divisive politics. Farooq Abdullah, when asked by reporters about Wani's remarks, downplayed it, saying, "Let him say whatever he wants. His party stands with us, and God willing, the alliance will remain intact even without him." The Congress and NC have a pre-poll alliance for Assembly polls. As per the agreement, Congress is contesting 32 seats in 90-member J&K assembly, NC on 51 and there would be a friendly fight on five. Banihal is one of the five seats, where NC and Congress have both fielded candidates and NC's Sajjad Shaheen is competing against Wani...////...