Pakistan happy over Congress-NC manifesto, showing support: PM Modi
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday criticized the Congress-National Conference (NC) alliance in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that Pakistan is pleased with their manifesto for the Assembly election.
"The Congress-NC alliance is being applauded in Pakistan. Pakistan is very happy with their manifesto and has openly extended its support," he said during a poll rally in Katra.
Context
Why does this story matter?
On August 5, 2019, the Narendra Modi-led government revoked Article 370, which granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, through a presidential order.
Later, the government passed a resolution in Parliament, bifurcating the state into two Union Territories — Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
While the NC has vowed to restore Article 370, the Congress has been completely silent about it and has not even mentioned it in its manifesto.
Political response
PM Modi responds to Pakistani defence minister's remarks
PM Modi was responding to Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's comment that the Shehbaz Sharif government and the Congress-NC alliance share a common stance on restoring Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
"Pakistan's Defence Minister has openly come out in support of the Congress-NC alliance. He says their agenda is the same as that of Pakistan... Congress and NC want to implement Pakistan's agenda here in Jammu and Kashmir," PM Modi said.
Manifesto pledge
Congress promises to restore full statehood status
The Congress has, however, promised its commitment toward restoring full statehood status to Jammu and Kashmir.
"We will work toward the restoration of full statehood status to Jammu and Kashmir," the party said in its manifesto.
The party also said that it would ensure that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are not discriminated against on any grounds, including religion, caste or creed.