Congress Slams Article 370 Revocation as PM Modi’s Politically Driven Move

Seven years after the controversial abrogation of Article 370, the promised peace and progress in IIOJK remain elusive—raising fresh concerns over New Delhi’s true intentions.

In a strongly worded critique, senior Congress leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir has questioned the legitimacy and purpose behind the Indian government’s decision to revoke Article 370 in 2019, which stripped Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) of its special status.

Speaking during a special session in the Legislative Assembly of IIOJK, Mir challenged the long-standing justification provided by New Delhi. He argued that the abrogation, rather than being a strategic move to curb unrest or terrorism, was largely politically motivated.

The Congress leader stated that the situation on the ground contradicts the claims made by the central government at the time of the constitutional change. Despite bold assurances of peace and development, he pointed out that the region continues to face social and economic challenges.

“Even after seven years, the region has not experienced the stability that was promised. The steps taken seem less about addressing militancy and more about gaining political mileage,” Mir remarked during his speech.

The abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 had been touted by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as a historic decision to fully integrate IIOJK into India. However, critics, including major political figures like Mir, maintain that the move has led to increased alienation, mistrust, and discontent among the local population.

Mir’s comments come at a time when there is growing scrutiny over the actual outcomes of the decision. Many political observers and civil society groups argue that the region has seen a deterioration in democratic processes and human rights protections since the revocation.

According to Mir, the policy should have focused on winning the confidence of the people, fostering development, and addressing the core issues of the region. Instead, he suggested, it became a tool in national political rhetoric.

His remarks are being seen as part of a broader political discourse questioning whether Article 370’s removal has genuinely benefited the people of IIOJK or simply served short-term electoral goals.

While the Indian government continues to project the move as a bold step toward modernization and integration, voices like Mir’s highlight the disconnect between promises and reality.