Reacting to Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s claims on the Congress-NC alliance regarding the restoration of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Congress, saying his statement has made it clear that the intention and agenda of Congress and Pakistan are the same.
In a post on Twitter, Amit Shah wrote, “Pakistan’s Defence Minister’s statement on Congress and JKNC’s support to Article 370 and 35A has once again exposed the Congress. This statement has once again made it clear that the intention and agenda of Congress and Pakistan are the same. For the last few years, Rahul Gandhi has been hurting the sentiments of the countrymen by standing with every anti-India force.”
Citing the example of the Congress seeking proof of air strikes and surgical strikes, Shah accused Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi of supporting “every anti-India force” over the years, which ultimately hurt the sentiments of Indians.
He warned Congress and Pakistan that as long as there is Modi government in the Centre, neither Article 370 nor terrorism can return to Kashmir.
The tweet said, “Whether it is asking for proof of air strikes and surgical strikes or saying objectionable things about the Indian Army, Rahul Gandhi’s Congress party and Pakistan have always had the same tune and the Congress has always been in cahoots with anti-national forces. But, the Congress party and Pakistan forget that there is a Modi government at the Centre, so neither Article 370 is going to come back in Kashmir nor terrorism.”
Pakistan’s Defence Minister’s statement about Congress and JKNC’s support on Article 370 and 35A has once again exposed Congress. This statement has once again made it clear that Congress and Pakistan have the same intentions and agenda. For the last few years, Rahul Gandhi has been trying to hurt the sentiments of the countrymen…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 19, 2024
BJP leader Amit Malviya said in a post on Twitter, “Pakistan, a terrorist state, supports the Congress and National Conference’s position on Kashmir.
Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Hamid Mir’s Capital Talk on Geo News, “Pakistan and the National Conference-Congress alliance are on the same page to restore Article 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir. How is it that from Pannun to Pakistan, Rahul Gandhi and his Congress always appear to be on the side of those who are against India’s interests?”
Earlier, while speaking to senior journalist Hamid Mir on Geo News’ show Capital Talk, the Pakistan Defence Minister was asked whether Pakistan and the National Conference-Congress alliance are on the same page on the restoration of Article 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir.
Khawaja Asif said, “Absolutely. This is our demand too.”
Pakistan’s Defence Minister also claimed that Article 370 could return if the National Conference-Congress alliance comes to power in Jammu and Kashmir.
“I think it is possible. Currently, the National Conference and the Congress have a huge importance there. The population of the valley is very motivated on this issue and I believe there is a possibility that the Conference (National Conference) will come to power. They have made it an election issue that the status of Jammu and Kashmir should be restored,” Asif told Geo News.
Earlier, National Conference patron Farooq Abdullah reiterated his party’s stand and said that if voted to power, the alliance would definitely try to restore the special status.
“How many years did it take the BJP to remove it (Article 370)? God willing, we will also restore it. It (Article 370) is the heartbeat of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Articles 370 and 35A will be restored,” Farooq Abdullah told reporters.
Former CM Omar Abdullah also expressed hope about the return of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
Omar had said, “Nothing is impossible. If it was impossible, the Supreme Court would not have given its verdict in favour of Article 370 thrice. If today a five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court has given its verdict against Article 370, is it not possible that tomorrow a seven-judge Constitution Bench will give its verdict in favour of Article 370?”
It is worth noting that assembly elections are being held in Jammu and Kashmir in three phases. The first phase of voting was held on 18 September. The second phase of voting will be held on 25 September and the third phase on 1 October. The counting of votes will take place on 8 October.
