Kharge, while addressing Shah’s assertions, accused the BJP of using divisive rhetoric to sidestep pressing national issues. He argued that the focus on Article 370 and the opposition's alleged inconsistencies was an attempt to shift attention away from governance challenges. He further emphasized Congress’s commitment to democratic processes, noting that any discussion on the constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir must consider the aspirations of its people.
Shah, during a campaign event, had questioned the Congress’s alliance with the NC, alleging it revealed an inherent contradiction. He stated that Congress’s promises to uphold constitutional values clashed with the NC’s longstanding demand for autonomy, including the restoration of Article 370. Shah also challenged Rahul Gandhi to clarify his party’s position, framing the issue as a test of the opposition’s unity and ideological coherence.
This exchange of rhetoric unfolded against the backdrop of upcoming elections, where opposition unity has been a contentious subject. Congress’s collaboration with regional players like the NC is seen as a strategic necessity to counter the BJP’s influence in Jammu and Kashmir, but the partnership has also exposed underlying ideological rifts. The NC has repeatedly reaffirmed its stance on restoring Article 370, a demand Congress has treaded carefully to address without alienating broader voter bases.
Political analysts suggest that the BJP's focus on Article 370 aligns with its broader electoral strategy, aiming to consolidate its support base by projecting a strong nationalistic narrative. The party has consistently highlighted its role in nullifying the constitutional provision in 2019, portraying it as a decisive step toward national integration and security. Critics, however, argue that the BJP’s rhetoric often oversimplifies the complex realities of governance and regional aspirations in Jammu and Kashmir.
The timing of Shah’s remarks is seen as deliberate, with the BJP seeking to draw attention to what it describes as opposition hypocrisy. Shah pointed to statements from Congress leaders, which he claimed displayed a lack of clarity and commitment to their alliance's shared vision. He cited the NC’s push for autonomy and its implications for national unity, questioning Congress’s ability to reconcile these differences within a cohesive electoral framework.
The discourse around Article 370 has been a recurring theme in Indian politics, particularly during election seasons. The BJP’s narrative often positions its decision to revoke the provision as a historic achievement, while the opposition critiques it as undemocratic and counterproductive. These debates resonate deeply in Jammu and Kashmir, where political sentiments remain sharply divided.
In response to Shah’s questions, Congress leaders have refrained from directly addressing the specifics of Article 370, instead reiterating their broader commitment to democracy and justice. The NC, while maintaining its demand for restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s autonomy, has expressed a willingness to engage with Congress on shared priorities, including economic development and regional stability.