Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s remarks on the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have come as a shock for the Congress. He asserted that the party should not blame the machines for its electoral failures.
This statement from an ally with whom Congress recently contested both the General and Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections has left the party disarmed.
Omar, a two-time Chief Minister, emphasised that it was hypocritical for Congress to celebrate EVMs during victories but criticise them after losses.
Citing his own example, Omar highlighted how he suffered a resounding defeat in parliamentary polls but secured a win in the Assembly elections from the same regions within three months.
He dismissed claims that EVMs could be manipulated, pointing out that, if that were true, the BJP could have easily altered the results in eight or nine assembly segments to win the elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
Omar’s candid stance has showcased his courage to confront the Congress. While many allies have avoided openly disagreeing, Omar has consistently spoken truth to power.
Despite being politically aggrieved—given the abrogation of Article 370 and the downgrading of Jammu and Kashmir to a Union Territory—he has refrained from criticising the BJP-led central government without merit.
Omar has even supported BJP initiatives such as the Central Vista and the new Parliament building, both of which the Congress has vehemently opposed.
This pragmatic approach offers a lesson to Congress leaders, especially the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, on how to engage with political adversaries.
The Congress has set a near-record by opposing almost every move of the BJP government. However, Omar’s example demonstrates that not every action warrants opposition, and a more balanced strategy could resonate better with voters.
As a long-time ally of the Congress, Omar Abdullah’s National Conference (NC) shares ideological common ground with the party.
Post the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, Omar publicly stated that his party aligned with Congress to assure Kashmiris of not joining hands with the BJP.
Yet, Omar’s criticism of Congress strategy reflects growing concerns among the public. Many believe Congress leaders are disconnected from ground realities, failing to adapt to the changing political landscape.
Historically, the Congress and NC were fierce rivals until 1987, a period marked by political stability in Jammu and Kashmir as mainstream parties dominated the landscape.
Their alliance, however, created an opposition vacuum that radicals eventually filled, fuelling militancy in the Valley.
Currently, the Congress supports the NC-led government in Jammu and Kashmir from outside, with six MLAs functioning as a quasi-opposition.
NC’s two Lok Sabha MPs are part of the INDIA bloc but remain largely detached in terms of pronounced ideological stances.
This detachment partly stems from Congress’s firm declaration that Article 370 is a closed chapter. Even Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, during a campaign in Maharashtra, reiterated this position, leaving the NC disheartened.
Publicly supporting the NC’s demand for Article 370’s restoration could have provided symbolic support, but Congress has chosen to move on.
The NC understands that restoring Article 370 is practically impossible but expected at least public posturing from its ally.
With Congress sidelining the issue, the alliance has little to offer the NC beyond its shared opposition to BJP policies. Even on the demand for restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, the Congress and BJP share similar positions, leaving the NC with little leverage.
For Omar, maintaining a “working relationship” with the BJP is now more pragmatic than engaging in needless confrontations. The INDIA bloc’s inability to accommodate regional parties’ unique issues poses significant challenges.
For instance, NC might oppose contentious ideas like the caste census or removing the 50% reservation cap.
Omar’s stand should serve as a wake-up call for Rahul Gandhi and the INDIA bloc. Framing a cohesive, pragmatic strategy that balances regional concerns and national interests is imperative.
Rahul must take stances that resonate with the broader electorate, transcending the confines of his close advisory circle.
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