Pakistan is backing Congress to win in J&K! Eyes on Article 370

Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that there is a "high chance" the Congress-National Conference (NC) alliance will come to power in Jammu and Kashmir. In a recent interview with Geo News, Asif highlighted that both the Sharif government and the Congress-NC alliance share a common goal regarding the restoration of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir until its revocation in 2019.

As the region approaches its first Assembly elections since the revocation, the National Conference has openly vowed to restore Article 370, emphasizing its importance to the identity and autonomy of the people in Jammu and Kashmir. Asif pointed out that this issue has become a central theme in the electoral discourse, significantly influencing voter sentiment.

While the National Conference actively campaigns for the restoration of Article 370, the Congress has adopted a more cautious stance. The party has not explicitly mentioned the article in its manifesto but has promised to restore full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. This silence on the contentious issue raises questions about Congress's commitment to addressing the aspirations of the region's residents.

The revocation of Article 370 and the subsequent bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories has remained an emotive issue, particularly for those in the Valley. The promise of reinstating the article resonates with many voters who feel that their rights and identity have been undermined since the change in status. Asif’s comments suggest a growing alignment between Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir and the political strategies of the Congress and National Conference, potentially swaying public opinion.