The ongoing Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections are bringing Article 370 and 35A into focus, particularly in the context of Pakistan’s position on the matter. Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif, has suggested that Pakistan and the National Conference-Congress alliance are aligned on the goal of restoring these provisions, which previously granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir before being abrogated in 2019 by the Indian government.
However, the Congress party has remained relatively silent on this issue during the current election. While National Conference is actively pushing for the restoration of Article 370 and 35A, Congress’s election manifesto emphasizes the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s full statehood but does not specifically mention these articles. This has created a nuanced difference between the two parties, even as they campaign together.
Pakistan has a vested interest in the status of Kashmir and is hoping for a potential shift if the National Conference-Congress alliance gains power. Yet, Congress has been careful in its messaging, focusing more on statehood than on the restoration of special status. This disparity between National Conference and Congress on Article 370 has drawn criticism, particularly from BJP leaders.
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