Exclusive: 'Kashmiris believe it is crucial to remove BJP from power'

Srinagar: As the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections move into the final phase, the INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) coalition remains confident. Following the abrogation of Article 370, there is a rising silent protest in the Kashmir Valley, which analysts believe will translate into votes, potentially favouring anti-BJP political forces.

The INDIA coalition in Jammu and Kashmir includes the National Conference, Congress, CPM and the Jammu and Kashmir Panthers Party. The National Conference is contesting 51 seats, while Congress is contesting 32 seats, with CPM and the Panthers Party contesting one seat each. There are friendly contests in five seats. The absence of the PDP, a part of the national INDIA bloc, holds significant political implications.

Congress state president Tariq Hamid Kar told Mathrubhumi that public sentiment is in favour of the INDIA coalition. Kar, a former minister and member of the Congress working committee, is a candidate from the Shalteng constituency.

How is the INDIA coalition perceiving this Assembly election?

–We consider this a distinct election. It is not a contest based on development or traditional issues. This election directly relates to our identity and the hardships we face due to the Central Government and the BJP. Development in Kashmir has been ongoing for many years. Therefore, we do not see claims about development as the basis for this election.

What are the prospects for the INDIA coalition?

–The INDIA bloc has established a strong influence. It is focused on ensuring that anti-BJP votes do not get divided in Kashmir. While parties may have differing perspectives and agendas, there is a common desire among the people for the votes against the BJP to unite. They believe it is crucial to remove the BJP from power.

The PDP is not part of the INDIA bloc. Won't it split the anti-BJP votes?

–That is an issue between the PDP and the National Conference. We are not intervening in that. The NC and PDP could not come to an agreement on seat-sharing. While there is a possibility of vote splitting, we believe it will not have a significant impact.

The BJP claims that the abrogation of Article 370 has brought development to Kashmir. What is your opinion?

–Those are just interpretations and arguments. For the past ten years, and since 2018 when the BJP took control of Jammu and Kashmir, they have not brought a single significant project to the state. They have merely inaugurated some projects initiated by the UPA government. However, the BJP has a powerful promotional machinery and is not shy about claiming previous governments' projects as their own.

What is Congress's stance on the abrogation of Article 370?

This Article was not granted to the people of Kashmir with grace. It was a decision made after extensive discussions and debates. It was Congress governments that implemented this Article. The RSS and the BJP have been trying to dismantle it for years. We have no particular interest in the numeric 370 that the BJP is using as a campaign tool; however, the assurances provided by this constitutional provision are crucial for us. These provisions ensure the rights of the people of Kashmir regarding land, employment and education. Thus, the numbers are not what matter; these assurances are paramount. These rights and the status of the state must be restored.

The BJP claims it has ended family politics in Kashmir. What do you say?

These are accusations that they have been repeating for years. However, they never talk about family politics within the BJP itself. They have no other issues to discuss here, so they raise such accusations. The BJP cannot engage in discussions about what they have done or will do for Jammu and Kashmir. Since 2014, they have made several attempts to gain control in Jammu and Kashmir, but all these attempts have failed. Therefore, this time they are fielding independent candidates to face the elections. Their only goal is to divide the votes of the Kashmiri people, but that will not succeed.