Salman Khurshid Backs Article 370 Move, BJP Welcomes Remark
In a statement that has stirred political ripples, senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Salman Khurshid has praised the Modi government’s decision to revoke Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking in Jakarta as part of an all-party delegation, Khurshid said the move “put an end to a major problem” in the region. He asserted that Article 370 had created a sense of separateness between Kashmir and the rest of India, and its removal has brought about greater integration and visible signs of progress.
Khurshid’s remarks, made on an international platform, underscore a rare instance of praise from a senior Congress figure for one of the Modi government’s most controversial yet central national security actions. His endorsement is likely to renew debates within the Congress party, which had strongly opposed the abrogation in 2019.
High Voter Turnout and Stability in J&K
Salman Khurshid cited a high voter turnout of nearly 65% in recent Jammu and Kashmir elections as evidence of democratic normalization and growing faith in the political process post-Article 370. He noted that this level of public participation signals a return to normalcy and stability, a direct outcome of the bold political move.
Khurshid also warned that any attempt to undo the changes brought by the abrogation would be damaging to the region’s progress. “If someone wants to reverse it, that will be a problem,” he added, underscoring the risk of reigniting old tensions.
Additionally, reiterating India’s constitutional position, he called for the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), aligning with India’s long-held parliamentary resolution that declares PoK as an integral part of India.
BJP Applauds, Congress Maintains Silence
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was quick to welcome Khurshid’s remarks, with several party leaders hailing his “honest acknowledgment” of the post-abrogation improvements in Kashmir. BJP spokespersons pointed out that this is not the first time a Congress leader has acknowledged the merits of the move, referencing Shashi Tharoor’s past remarks on similar lines. They also questioned whether the Congress leadership would now back Khurshid’s position or continue distancing itself from such views.
So far, the Congress party has not issued any official comment on Khurshid’s statements, reflecting internal divisions on the Kashmir issue that remain unresolved since 2019. His comments may force the party to either clarify its position or risk appearing out of sync with ground realities and public opinion in the Union Territory.
Impact on Political Discourse
Salman Khurshid’s endorsement adds a new dimension to the ongoing national dialogue on Kashmir. Coming from a prominent Congress voice, the statement reinforces the narrative that Article 370’s abrogation has enabled democratic participation and development in the region. As the political landscape evolves, Khurshid’s remarks may serve as a cue for others in the opposition to re-evaluate their stance on one of the most transformative decisions in recent Indian political history.
