Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir’s assembly elections are heating up as Article 370 continues to dominate the political discourse. On Thursday, 19 September, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif publicly stated that Pakistan supports the National Conference (NC)-Congress alliance in their push to restore Articles 370 and 35A in Kashmir. This statement has triggered a strong response from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with MP Anurag Thakur sharply criticising Congress and its leader, Rahul Gandhi.
Speaking to ANI, Thakur stated, “It is clear from the Defence Minister of Pakistan’s statement that the intentions, agenda, and thinking of Pakistan, Congress, and the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference are aligned. Their support for the restoration of Article 370 has unmasked Congress in front of the people.”
Thakur’s comments come as the BJP works to consolidate its position in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly on the sensitive issue of Article 370, which granted special status to the region before its abrogation by the Modi government in 2019. The BJP has consistently positioned itself as the party that ended Kashmir’s special status, presenting this as a step toward national unity and counter-terrorism.
Taking a direct shot at Rahul Gandhi, Thakur questioned his support for groups that he suggested were working against the country’s interests. “Why does Rahul Gandhi stand with those who talk of breaking India into pieces? Is the nation seeing Jinnah’s spirit in Rahul Gandhi? Was Article 370 the biggest mistake Nehru made in Kashmir?” he added.
The BJP MP did not stop there, further accusing Congress of undermining national security. He pointed to past instances where the Congress had questioned military actions, including airstrikes and surgical strikes, saying, “In every election, Congress seems to praise Pakistan. During the airstrikes and surgical strikes, they doubted our soldiers. Now, they want to bring back Article 370, despite the bloodshed it caused.”
Thakur’s sharp words come at a critical time, with the political atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir remaining tense ahead of the elections. Polling will take place against the backdrop of ongoing debates about the future of Article 370 and the region’s security. As the political rivalry between the BJP and Congress deepens, the controversy surrounding Kashmir’s status continues to serve as a pivotal issue, with both parties staking their positions firmly.
With the fate of the region’s 90 assembly seats to be decided soon, the rhetoric from both sides is likely to intensify in the run-up to the elections.