J&K resolution on Article 370 may impact Congress in Maharashtra

New Delhi: The newly-elected Jammu and Kashmir Assembly passed a resolution seeking the restoration of the erstwhile state’s special status, sparking a national political debate. Introduced by the National Conference, the resolution has reportedly hurt its alliance partner Congress, particularly in Maharashtra, where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has seized the issue for its campaign.
A senior journalist in Kashmir dismissed the resolution’s impact, saying, “These resolutions do not mean anything at all. There is no provision in the rulebook suggesting that the passing of such a resolution by the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will be binding on anyone. It is just like some states in Pakistan passing a resolution unanimously saying that India is a terrorist country. When they have nothing to do, they go out and pass a resolution like this just to please their people. Or maybe to show activity in the assembly they pass such a resolution. And the Jammu and Kashmir assembly also is trying to be active the same way by telling people they are trying their best to get things back on track.”
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on October 23, 2024, reportedly discussing issues including the early restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting, which lasted nearly 30 minutes, also sparked speculation that Abdullah may have discussed the National Conference’s plans to ensure smoother centre-state relations and avoid political roadblocks.
A source familiar with the developments suggested that the National Conference might seek to politically marginalise Congress in Jammu and Kashmir, much like it has opposed PDP in the past. “The National Conference will try to politically elbow out Congress from Jammu and Kashmir. They have already been relentless against the PDP even when they were part of the same bloc. Now they are aiming at the Congress. They have always tried to be hegemonic in the state. They won’t let anyone else survive there. That has always been their plan. They want the whole power to themselves. They don’t want to share it. And they also keep the prospects in view before making any decisions. The way Arvind Kejriwal made Congress go extinct in Delhi, the same way Omar will function and try to make Congress go extinct in Jammu and Kashmir.” The issue of Article 370 also became a focal point in Maharashtra, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing the Congress and its allies of attempting to bring back the special status. PM Modi said, “They ruled the country for seven decades but could not execute the Constitution written by Babasaheb Ambedkar in Jammu and Kashmir. But we executed it by removing Article 370 and brought peace by hoisting the Tricolour. The country will never accept bringing back Article 370. People of Maharashtra will also oppose it.”
Home Minister Amit Shah echoed PM Modi’s stance, stating, “Even if Indira Gandhi were to return from heaven, Article 370 won’t be restored.” Shah emphasized that the NDA government remains committed to ensuring Article 370’s removal is irreversible.