Kanhaiya Kumar, spokesperson for the All India Congress Committee, delivered a scathing critique of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) handling of Jammu and Kashmir. Kumar highlighted a decade of “oppression and unemployment” in the region, suggesting that the upcoming elections are pivotal, driven not by peace but by a deep-seated dissatisfaction among the people.
Kumar pointed out that the high voter turnout expected in these elections is a reflection of the region’s frustration, not a sign of peace. This situation is unprecedented in Indian history, marking the first instance where a state has been converted into a Union Territory.
He sharply criticized the BJP’s promises regarding the restoration of statehood. “The BJP’s vow to restore statehood after the Assembly elections is contradictory,” Kumar remarked. “If they genuinely intended to return statehood, why did they take it away? This reveals a flaw in their approach. As long as the BJP and its affiliated parties remain in power, candidates advocating for independence are merely under Amit Shah’s control.”
Kumar framed the election as a battle between two competing forces: the Congress-National Conference alliance, which he described as proponents of peace and justice, versus the BJP and its allies, whom he accused of fostering hatred, discrimination, and chaos. He expressed hope that the Congress-National Conference alliance would prevail despite the BJP’s attempts to divide the vote and form a government that truly represents the interests of Jammu and Kashmir.
“My visit here is driven not by a campaign agenda but by the sincere affection and support from the people of Kashmir,” Kumar emphasized. He stressed the difference between silence and peace, noting that while the current situation in Jammu and Kashmir may be marked by silence, it does not signify true peace. “What we aim to bring is genuine peace,” he added.
Kumar’s statements highlight the ongoing tension in Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape. The BJP’s decision to convert the state into a Union Territory has been met with significant criticism. The Congress-National Conference alliance’s platform seeks to address these grievances and advocate for the region’s previous status, promising a future centered on fairness and reconciliation.
As the elections draw nearer, the debate over Jammu and Kashmir’s future is expected to become more intense, with major implications for both regional governance and national politics. Kumar’s comments shed light on the deep divisions and high stakes surrounding the region’s path forward.