The Congress party’s recently released manifesto for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections has raised eyebrows by omitting any mention of restoring Article 370, which granted special status to the region before its abrogation in August 2019. The absence of a clear stance on the issue comes as a surprise, given that several Congress leaders had previously advocated for its restoration.
This silence on Article 370 has led to speculation and debate about the party’s position on the matter, with many questioning whether Congress has softened its stance on the highly contentious issue. The abrogation of Article 370, carried out by the BJP-led government, was met with widespread protests in parts of Jammu and Kashmir and has remained a focal point of political discourse ever since.
While the Congress manifesto highlights other priorities, such as economic development, employment generation, and ensuring peace and security in the region, the omission of Article 370 is being viewed as a strategic move to avoid alienating certain voter segments. However, it has also drawn criticism from those who believe the issue should have been addressed, given its significance to the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
As the assembly elections approach, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact Congress’ performance, particularly in a region where the Article 370 debate continues to influence public sentiment.
