Amit Shah Slams Congress-NC Alliance Over Article 370 Restoration Promise

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a scathing attack on the Congress-NC (National Conference) alliance during a public meeting on Thursday, asserting that no effort, even across “three generations” of their families, could bring back Article 370. Shah’s comments come amid the ongoing election season in Jammu and Kashmir, a region that has seen sweeping changes since the abrogation of the controversial constitutional provision in 2019.

Speaking in Chenani, Shah addressed voters directly, stating, “You will all vote not just for Chenani but make a decision for the entire J&K.” He emphasized the historic significance of the upcoming elections, noting that for the first time since independence, the region was heading to the polls without Article 370 or a separate flag. Shah dismissed the claims of the National Conference (NC) and Congress regarding the restoration of Article 370, saying, “NC and Rahul Baba say that we will bring back Article 370, but I want to tell them that neither you nor the three generations of yours will be able to bring back Article 370.”

Generational Dynasties in the Crosshairs

In his speech, Shah took a sharp aim at the political dynasties of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the Gandhis, Muftis, and Abdullahs, who he accused of maintaining a stranglehold on the region’s politics for decades. He alleged that these families only sought to protect their own interests, saying, “The three families have given tickets to their own people and made only 87 MLA. But we made more than 30,000 Panch, Sarpanch and Tehsil Panchayats.”

Shah also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what he described as a “clean-up” of corruption in Jammu and Kashmir, saying, “The river of corruption that they started was cleaned by Prime Minister Modi from the bottom.”

Social Justice and Development for Marginalized Communities

Since the BJP took power in 2014, Shah asserted that the government has been tirelessly working to empower marginalized communities, particularly SCs, STs, Dalits, and women, alongside bolstering security along India’s borders. “We secured our borders and ensured reservation for our Pahadi brothers and sisters. Congress never cared for you, Abdullahs never cared for you. And you should remember this,” he told the crowd.

BJP’s Promise to Eradicate Terrorism

Shah went on to criticize the Congress-NC alliance for allegedly perpetuating terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir over the past four decades. He contrasted this with the BJP’s vision for a peaceful and stable region, free from terrorism. “The world is closely watching the Jammu and Kashmir elections, where two vastly different visions are at play. On one hand, the NC, Congress, and PDP parties, perpetuating terrorism in the region for around 40 years, are eyeing for power. On the other hand, the BJP, committed to rooting out terrorism entirely, offers an absolutely contrasting picture,” Shah said.

He specifically held the Abdullah and Nehru families responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people in Jammu and Kashmir, remarking, “It is Abdullahs and Nehrus who are accountable for the killing of 40,000 people in Jammu and Kashmir.” Shah also accused NC leader Farooq Abdullah of being absent during critical moments in the region’s history, adding, “Where was Farooq Abdullah at that time? He was vacationing in London during the summers, and was riding expensive motorcycles.”

High Voter Turnout in Assembly Elections

The second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, held on Wednesday, recorded a voter turnout of 57.03 percent, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI). Districts like Budgam and Ganderbal saw impressive turnouts of 62.98 percent and 62.51 percent, respectively, while border regions like Poonch and Rajouri recorded even higher figures—73.80 percent and 70.95 percent.

Srinagar, however, lagged behind with a voter turnout of just 29.81 percent. The third and final phase of the assembly polls is scheduled for October 1, with results set to be declared on October 8.