BJP hits out at Opposition over Kashmir stance, Jantar Mantar protests

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Congress and other Opposition parties over their remarks on Jammu and Kashmir and their protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Addressing a press conference, BJP leader and former Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad accused the Opposition of undermining the government's efforts to integrate Kashmir with the rest of the country.

Taking a dig at the Congress, Prasad alleged that during the UPA-I and UPA-II governments, there was a widespread perception that decision-making authority rested with Congress leader Sonia Gandhi and that the then government was plagued by corruption allegations. He said the Opposition's current protests were a desperate attempt to divert attention from the developmental work being carried out in Kashmir.

The reactions came a day after several Opposition parties, including the Congress, the National Conference, and the Left, held a protest at Jantar Mantar against the alleged human rights violations in Kashmir and the abrogation of Article 370. The protestors also demanded the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and the release of political leaders under detention.

In response to the BJP's criticism, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said the BJP was trying to stifle dissent by attacking those who raised the issue of civil liberties. "The BJP is afraid of the truth. Instead of answering our questions on the situation in Kashmir, they are resorting to personal attacks on our leadership," Khera said in a counter-response.

The National Conference's Omar Abdullah, who was among those detained in 2019, took to social media to defend the protests. He said that peaceful demonstrations are a part of democratic expression and the party would continue to raise the voice of the people of Kashmir.

The BJP, however, remains firm in its position that the abrogation of Article 370 was a historic decision that has brought peace and development to the region. Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said that the protestors were "anti-national" and that their attempts to destabilise the region would not succeed.

The latest confrontation comes at a time when the Supreme Court is hearing a batch of petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370. The central government has defended the move, saying that it has led to a record number of tourist arrivals and investments in the region. The Opposition, on the other hand, has maintained that the decision was taken without proper consultation and has led to a crackdown on civil liberties.

The protests at Jantar Mantar are expected to continue over the next few days, with more parties likely to join. Political observers note that the issue has become a flashpoint ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, with both the ruling party and the Opposition trying to consolidate their respective support bases.

Meanwhile, the BJP has also taken exception to some Opposition members referring to the abrogation as a "black day" in Parliament. The party has argued that such remarks are an insult to the country's armed forces and the people of Kashmir who have benefitted from the policies.

In response to the allegations, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has said that the party is not against the decision on Kashmir but is merely asking for transparency and the restoration of political process in the region. He said that the BJP is misrepresenting the Congress's stand to score political points.

As the debate rages on, it is clear that Kashmir will remain a central political issue in the coming months. The situation on the ground, however, remains largely peaceful, with the government saying that it has taken measures to ensure law and order. The Opposition's protests, meanwhile, are being seen as a rallying point for those who believe that the rights of the people of Kashmir have been eroded.

The coming weeks will reveal whether the Opposition's protests gain traction or the BJP's counter-offensive succeeds in branding them as anti-national. For now, both sides seem entrenched in their positions, with no immediate end to the political confrontation in sight.