J-K assembly elections: Is Congress compromising stability for electoral advantage?

New Delhi: Congress Party President Mallikarjun Kharge's recent statement has sparked intense debate, saying a victory in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections would allow the party to assert its "claim" over the rest of the country. Critics argue that this remark reveals Congress's longstanding "capture" mentality, where the party prioritizes consolidating power over effective governance.

Historical Criticisms of congress’s approach

The Congress Party has faced criticism for its approach to governance and power consolidation. From the imposition of the Emergency in 1975, which severely weakened democratic institutions, to the centralization of power under Congress-led governments, the party has often been accused of authoritarian tendencies. Critics point to the implementation of Article 370 and Article 35A in Jammu and Kashmir as a prime example of this mindset. These articles, which granted special status to the state, were perceived by many as tools for Congress to maintain control over the region and appease specific voter bases.

 Congress's broader national agenda

Congress’s reluctance to repeal these provisions, even when they were clearly promoting separatism and extremism, illustrates a broader strategy of utilizing such measures to control unstable regions. This strategy highlights a pattern where the party employs provisions to retain authority, even at the cost of fostering divisive sentiments. Kharge’s comments seem to echo this historical pattern, suggesting that Congress's interest in Jammu and Kashmir is tied to broader national ambitions rather than purely regional concerns.

Comparisons with the Waqf Board

Kharge's comments draw an interesting parallel with the operations of the Waqf Board, a statutory body managing Muslim religious and charitable endowments. The Waqf Board has often been accused of land grabbing under the guise of religious authority. This practice, which involves appropriating large amounts of land and property for the benefit of a select few, mirrors the Congress Party’s approach to resource and power consolidation. Both scenarios involve a lack of transparency and accountability, with resources and power being commandeered to serve the interests of specific groups.

Congress's criticized approach in Jammu and Kashmir

Experts and historians often critique Congress's record on national security, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. Under successive Congress-led central governments, the region witnessed a surge in extremism, with terrorists and separatists frequently operating with impunity. The alliance with the National Conference, a regional party known for supporting separatist causes, exacerbated the situation. The perceived leniency towards extremism during the UPA government's tenure is cited as a contributing factor to the rise in terrorist activities in the region.

Kharge’s remarks are not merely about winning elections in Jammu and Kashmir as they highlight a broader pattern of the Congress Party's willingness to compromise national security for political gain. By rekindling the debate over Article 370 and 35A, Congress risks undermining the hard-won peace and stability in the region. This strategy of leveraging sensitive issues for electoral benefits exemplifies the party’s historical approach to governance and national security.