Recently, Congress party president Mallikarjun Kharge described the Congress' victory in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections as a way for the party to 'stake a claim' on the rest of the country. His remarks reflect the Congress' 'kabza' (grab) mentality that has characterized the party's approach to power and governance throughout its history.

Authoritarian tendencies of Congress

The authoritarian tendencies of the Congress party have often been questioned, starting from the Emergency of 1975, when democratic institutions were weakened. Critics of the Congress point to the imposition of Article 370 and Article 35A in Jammu and Kashmir, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, as a way of appeasing certain vote banks of the Congress.

Criticism of Article 370 and 35A

The Congress Party's reluctance to remove Articles 370 and 35A has also been seen by critics as part of its broader strategy to maintain control over the region. These provisions helped foster separatism and insurgency, and reflect the party's strategy to maintain control over the region.

Equality of Wakf Board

Kharge's remarks also show a strange similarity with the functioning of the Waqf Board in India. The Waqf Board, which manages Muslim religious and charitable properties, is often accused of land grabbing. The Congress has also had a similar policy, in which the party has tried to grab resources and power.

Congress's National Security Track Record

Many experts and historians believe that the Congress party has not had a good track record in terms of national security, especially in Jammu and Kashmir. During the Congress-led governments, the region witnessed a rise in militancy. The situation worsened due to the free hand given to terrorists and separatists. Congress' alliance with a separatist-minded regional party like the National Conference also worsened the situation.

Impact of Kharge's remarks

So, Kharge's comment is not just about winning elections in Jammu and Kashmir. It is a reminder of the Congress' lackadaisical attitude towards national security. By reviving the debate on Article 370 and 35A, the Congress party is risking the peacefully achieved status quo in the region for electoral gain.

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