Congress’s silence on Article 370 in spotlight ahead of J&K polls

Srinagar, Aug 24: As the campaign for Jammu and Kashmir’s Assembly polls gains momentum, the Congress party’s stance on Article 370 has become a focal point of political debate. The issue has gained particular prominence as Congress allies with the National Conference, drawing intense scrutiny from their main rival, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, has been a contentious issue in Indian politics. The Congress party’s position on this matter has evolved, creating a complex political landscape as the region prepares for its first assembly elections since the change in its constitutional status.

Recently, Congress clarified its stance on Article 370, especially in light of the Supreme Court’s verdict upholding its abrogation. The party expressed disagreement with how Article 370 was revoked, arguing that any changes should have been made in strict adherence to constitutional procedures. Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram reiterated the party’s position by referencing the Congress Working Committee’s resolution from August 6, 2019, which stated that Article 370 deserved to be honoured until properly amended through constitutional means.
The Congress party’s current stance includes disagreement with the Supreme Court ruling on the abrogation, citing concerns about the constitutional process followed. They have also called for the immediate restoration of full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir and the holding of assembly elections without delay. However, while the party initially opposed the abrogation in 2019 and joined the Gupkar Alliance advocating for its restoration, recent statements have been more cautious regarding the restoration of Article 370 itself.
The BJP has seized upon the perceived ambiguity in Congress’s position, using it as a point of attack in the election campaign. Senior BJP leader Smriti Irani raised several questions about the Congress-National Conference alliance, questioning whether Congress supports the National Conference’s promise of a separate flag for Jammu and Kashmir and if it accepts the National Conference’s agenda of restoring Article 370. Irani emphasized that these questions are of interest not just to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, but to the entire nation.
The Congress’s alliance with the National Conference, a party that has been vocal about restoring Article 370, has complicated the political narrative. The BJP is attempting to portray this alliance as “unholy” and driven solely by the pursuit of power. As a result, Congress now faces the challenge of balancing its national stance on Article 370 with the regional aspirations represented by its alliance partner.
As the election campaign intensifies, the Congress party’s ability to articulate a clear and consistent position on Article 370 while maintaining its alliance with the National Conference will be closely watched. The party’s response to the BJP’s allegations and its strategy to address the concerns of both local and national audiences could play a significant role in shaping the outcome of the upcoming assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir.
The unfolding political drama underscores the continuing significance of Article 370 in the politics of Jammu and Kashmir and its impact on national political discourse. As the region prepares for its first assembly elections post the constitutional changes of 2019, the stance of major political parties on this issue will likely remain a central theme of the campaign, with potentially far-reaching implications for both regional and national politics.