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Key Points

Congress leader Salman Khurshid has landed himself in hot water with controversial remarks about Kashmir's prosperity after Article 370's abrogation. His evasive responses and apparent backtracking have created internal tensions within the Congress party. The BJP has quickly capitalized on his statements, using them to challenge the opposition's narrative. The ongoing debate highlights the complex political dynamics surrounding Kashmir's status and development.

Key Points: Salman Khurshid's Kashmir Remarks Spark Congress Controversy

  • Khurshid's remarks create internal tension within Congress party
  • BJP seizes opportunity to criticize opposition stance
  • Article 370 abrogation continues to be contentious political issue
  • Statehood demands remain primary concern in Kashmir
3 min read

I don't live in Kashmir: Salman Khurshid's evasive reply on prosperity after row over Article 370 remarks

Congress leader Salman Khurshid backtracks on Article 370 prosperity claims, dodges direct questions about Kashmir's development

"I don't know, you tell me whether development has happened or not. Why are you asking me? I don't live in Kashmir. - Salman Khurshid"

New Delhi, June 5

Congress leader Salman Khurshid on Thursday dodged a direct reply on the ‘growing prosperity’ in Jammu and Kashmir after the Abrogation of Article 370, a claim he made while putting forth India’s message against terrorism before the world during Operation Sindoor global outreach. He rather stated that the ‘demand for statehood’ is the real concern and issue before the residents of the Union Territory, which must be addressed as a priority.

The former External Affairs Minister, in conversation with IANS, remained evasive on his previous claims of prosperity in the valley, in the post Article 370 era and rather targeted the Centre for not paying attention to statehood demands of people as well as elected representatives.

When questioned on Kashmir’s new growth trajectory after Article 370, the Congress leader said in a sulking tone, “I don’t know, you tell me whether development has happened or not. Why are you asking me? I don’t live in Kashmir. I only visit occasionally.”

“The real issue in Kashmir is about statehood. The people who were elected there in the elections are demanding that statehood be restored. We are all united on that point. So it’s better if we focus on that issue,” he added.

Khurshid’s digression from his previous stand is seen as a clear flip-flop, apparently on the back of the party conveying its strong displeasure to the veteran, though discreetly.

Salman Khurshid ruffled many feathers in the Congress party with his recent ‘admission’ of prosperity returning to Kashmir after the revocation of Article 370. His remarks came close on the back of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s claims that the security forces crossed the border to punish the perpetrators of terrorism for the first time under the Modi government. It left the grand old party red-faced, however, the Congress remained tight-lipped in rebuking him, unlike the Thiruvananthapuram lawmaker.

Khurshid also voiced his distress over questions being raised at home, and asked on X, “When on mission against terrorism, to carry India’s message to the world, it’s distressing that people at home are calculating political allegiances. Is it so difficult to be patriotic?”

“Kashmir had a major problem for a long time. After Article 370 abrogation, there was an election and 65% participation. There is an elected government in Kashmir today, and therefore, for people to want to undo everything that has happened, the prosperity that has come to Kashmir, it is very unfortunate. It will give a setback to anybody,” Khurshid had told a gathering of think tanks and academia in Indonesia.

Congress stood silent on the controversy, however, a couple of BJP spokespersons used his remark to embarrass the Congress.

BJP MP Sambit Patra called for relaying his message on J&K’s transformation to Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, while party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala asked whether he (Khurshid) would also be dubbed BJP’s ‘super spokesperson’ after the Congress leader busted his own party's narrative on Article 370.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Why can't our politicians speak with one voice? First Khurshid praises development in Kashmir, then backtracks when his party gets upset. This flip-flopping makes us a laughing stock internationally. Either stand by your words or don't speak at all!
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Priya M.
As someone who visited Kashmir last year, I can say tourism is booming and locals seem happier. But politicians will never admit good work by opponents. Khurshid's initial statement was honest, but pressure made him change tune. Sad state of our politics 😔
A
Amit S.
Statehood is important, but security comes first. After 370 removal, terrorist incidents have reduced drastically. Why can't Congress appreciate this? Always negative politics... Kashmiris deserve peace and development, not endless political games.
S
Sunita R.
Khurshid's "I don't live in Kashmir" comment shows how disconnected Delhi politicians are from ground realities. They make policies for places they barely understand. Maybe MPs should spend mandatory time in regions they comment on? 🤔
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Vikram J.
The 65% voter turnout in Kashmir elections speaks volumes! People have voted for development, not old narratives. Politicians should respect this mandate instead of clinging to outdated positions. J&K is moving forward - don't pull it back.
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Neha T.
While BJP is using this for political points, we must acknowledge Kashmir's complex reality. Yes, there's progress, but also genuine concerns about democratic rights. A balanced approach would serve national interest better than this blame game.

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