PDP Slams Congress Over Article 370 U-Turn: “You Fuel Anti-Kashmir Propaganda”
By: Javid Amin | Srinagar | 16 July 2025
As calls for the restoration of statehood to Jammu & Kashmir grow louder, a new layer of political tension has emerged—not between the usual regional versus central divide, but within the Congress party’s own ranks.
Mohit Bhan, spokesperson for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has openly accused the Congress party of fueling “anti-Kashmir propaganda” across India. In a widely shared interview with Greater Kashmir, Bhan claimed that Congress leaders have, in recent years, contributed to the erosion of truth regarding Article 370 and Article 35(A)—the very constitutional provisions that once safeguarded Kashmir’s special status.
“You can’t campaign on restoring statehood while also allowing your leaders to glorify the abrogation of Article 370 abroad. This duplicity confuses the public and insults the pain of our people.”
— Mohit Bhan, PDP Spokesperson
Article 370 & 35(A): A Brief Context
Before delving deeper into the political fallout, it’s important to briefly understand what’s at stake:
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Article 370 granted special autonomous status to J&K under the Indian Constitution.
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Article 35(A) empowered the state to define permanent residents and restrict outsiders from buying land or securing jobs in government.
Both provisions were abrogated on August 5, 2019 by the BJP-led NDA government—sparking widespread outrage in Kashmir, legal battles in the Supreme Court, and years of political disempowerment.
Contradictory Voices Within Congress: The Salman Khurshid Controversy
Fueling this growing distrust is a recent statement by Salman Khurshid, senior Congress leader and former Law Minister.
During an official visit to Indonesia in June 2025, Khurshid reportedly said:
“The abrogation of Article 370 removed a psychological barrier. It has helped unify Kashmir with the rest of India and initiated democratic progress.”
This line—eerily similar to the BJP’s own talking points—sent shockwaves through Kashmir’s political landscape.
Regional leaders from the National Conference (NC), PDP, and even the newly vocal J&K Apni Party condemned the remark. They accused Congress of speaking in two voices: one for the national mainstream and one for Kashmir.
Mehbooba Mufti Reacts: “Congress Must Clarify Its Stand”
Former Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti was quick to respond. In a press statement, she said:
“Congress’s recent resolution on restoring statehood is deliberately vague. While they demand what was promised, they carefully avoid mentioning the word ‘Article 370’. That is the real betrayal.”
She added that:
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Kashmiris are not just fighting for statehood, but for the restoration of their dignity and identity, which was “unconstitutionally snatched.”
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Any party that remains silent on Article 370 is complicit in the “systematic dismantling of federalism in India.”
The Political Terrain: Congress’s Kashmir Tightrope
Congress finds itself walking a delicate tightrope:
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On one hand, it seeks to counter BJP’s muscular nationalism and appeal to Kashmiris by advocating for statehood and constitutional order.
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On the other hand, it faces pressure from nationalist voter bases in Hindi heartland states—where mentioning Article 370 is often seen as “anti-national” rhetoric.
This dilemma is further complicated by:
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Party veterans like Khurshid, who have traditionally leaned toward national integrationist narratives.
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Younger leaders and regional Congress units in J&K, who support restoration of both statehood and pre-2019 autonomy.
Why PDP’s Attack Matters
While PDP has had limited electoral traction since 2019, it continues to wield significant influence in public discourse, especially among youth and rural constituencies in south Kashmir.
By accusing Congress of hypocrisy, PDP hopes to:
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Regain political relevance after being marginalized in recent years.
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Differentiate itself from both NC and Congress, positioning itself as the only party committed to restoring full autonomy, including Article 370.
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Pressure national parties to be more explicit and consistent in their Kashmir policy.
Contradictions Undermine Credibility
Political analysts argue that Congress’s mixed messaging could be self-defeating:
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Publicly demanding statehood while internally endorsing or justifying the abrogation of Article 370 undermines its credibility with Kashmiri voters.
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It gives the BJP ammunition to label Congress as confused and opportunistic.
“Voters can accept ideological shifts, but they won’t forgive duplicity,” says political commentator Faisal Ahmed Khan. “Congress must choose: Does it stand with the Constitution or convenience?”
Looking Ahead: What Must Congress Do?
To regain trust in Kashmir and stay relevant to the larger national opposition narrative, Congress must:
Clarify its Stand on Article 370:
Even if it cannot promise its reinstatement, it must acknowledge its constitutional and emotional significance.
Rein in Contradictory Messaging:
Leaders like Salman Khurshid must align with the party’s core messaging, especially when speaking on international platforms.
Engage with Regional Sentiments:
Hold public consultations, issue specific resolutions, and build coalitions with regional parties like NC and PDP.
Final Word: Will Congress Step Up or Step Back?
As the dust settles on this new controversy, one thing is clear: the road to political legitimacy in Kashmir goes through Article 370.
Whether Congress embraces that reality or continues to dance around it will determine its future in the Valley—and perhaps its moral authority across India.
Because in Kashmir, words aren’t forgotten—and silences speak loudest.
