New Delhi

The BJP has strongly criticized the Congress-National Conference (NC) alliance following a statement by Pakistan Defence Minister Khwaja Asif. Asif claimed that Pakistan and the Congress-NC alliance share a common stance on restoring Article 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir. BJP leader Amit Malviya responded sharply, noting that it is concerning that the Congress and Rahul Gandhi align with Pakistan, a state deemed hostile to India’s interests.

Hamid Mir, Asif stated, Pakistan and the NC-Congress alliance are aligned on the restoration of Article 370 and 35A. Our demands are the same. He further suggested that Article 370 could be reinstated if the NC-Congress alliance gains power in Jammu and Kashmir. Asif expressed confidence that the NC, having made the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status a key election issue, could win and push for this change.

NC leader Farooq Abdullah and former CM Omar Abdullah have both affirmed their commitment to restoring Article 370 if elected. Abdullah emphasized that reversing the BJP’s decision to abrogate the article is a priority for his party. The Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections are underway, with voting occurring in three phases starting September 18.