Congress' 'Kabza' Mentality, Not A New Trait. A Historical And Contemporary Analysis

The recent remarks made by Congress Party President Mallikarjun Kharge in Kashmir, where he implied that a Congress victory in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections would pave the way for the party to assert its 'claim' (Kabza) on the rest of the country, have stirred an age-old controversy.

This statement is a reflection of what many critics describe as the 'Kabza' (grabbing) mentality of the Congress, a mindset that has characterised the party's approach to power and governance throughout its history.

Let's delve into the historical context and present scenarios to explore how the Congress Party has consistently exhibited a mentality of grabbing and holding onto power, many say often at the cost of national unity and security.

The 'Kabza' Mentality: A Historical Perspective

The Congress Party, since its inception, has been accused of adopting a strategy aimed at consolidating power by any means necessary. This 'Kabza' mentality, which translates to a grabbing or possessive mindset, has been evident in several instances throughout India's political history.

From the imposition of the Emergency in 1975, where democratic institutions were severely undermined, to the centralisation of power under successive Congress-led governments, the party has often been criticised for its authoritarian tendencies.

This mindset is not just about maintaining political control but also about expanding it. The Congress Party has historically sought to assert its dominance over various regions and communities, often through divisive policies that have sown discord and unrest.

The imposition of Article 370 and Article 35A in Jammu and Kashmir is a case in point. These articles, which granted special status to the state, were seen by many as tools to keep the region under the Congress's thumb while appeasing certain vote banks.

The party's reluctance to abrogate these articles, even when they were clearly contributing to separatism and militancy, reflects its broader strategy of using such provisions to maintain control over volatile regions.

WAQF Board-Style Modus Operandi: Grabbing for Self and Vote Banks

Kharge's remarks also draw an eerie parallel to the operations of the WAQF Board in India. The WAQF Board, a statutory body that manages Muslim religious and charitable endowments, has often been accused of engaging in land grabbing under the guise of religious authority. This practice, which involves taking over large tracts of land and properties for the benefit of a select few, mirrors the Congress Party's broader strategy of grabbing resources and power to serve its interests and those of its vote banks.

Just as the WAQF Board's activities have been criticised for lacking transparency and accountability, the Congress Party's approach to governance has often been marked by a lack of transparency and an emphasis on serving the interests of specific communities to secure electoral victories. This strategy has not only undermined national unity but has also led to the alienation of other communities, further fueling divisions within the country.

Cong's Bid to Restore Article 370 & 35A: A Move Towards Divisive Politics

Kharge's statement about 'claiming' the rest of the country if the Congress wins in Jammu and Kashmir can also be interpreted as a veiled threat to restore Article 370 and 35A. These articles, which were abrogated by the Narendra Modi-led government in 2019, had long been a bone of contention in Indian politics. While the Congress has often defended these provisions as necessary for preserving the unique identity of Jammu and Kashmir, their actual impact has been to entrench separatist sentiments and provide a fertile ground for militancy and terrorism.

Restoring these articles would not only be a step backwards in terms of national integration but would also reignite the flames of divisive politics that have plagued the region for decades. It would signal a return to the Congress's old strategy of using special status provisions to maintain control over volatile regions, even at the cost of national security.

National Security Implications: A Flashback to the Congress's Record

Many experts and historians opine that Congress Party's track record on national security, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, has been far from stellar. Under successive Congress-led Central governments, the region witnessed a surge in militancy, with terrorists and separatists often given a free rein.

The party's alliance with the National Conference, a regional party with a history of supporting separatist causes, further exacerbated the situation. The UPA government's soft approach towards militancy during its tenure is often cited as one of the reasons for the rise in terrorist activities in the region.

The Bottomline

Kharge's remarks, therefore, are not just about winning an election in Jammu and Kashmir; they are a reminder of the Congress's willingness to compromise national security for political gain. By reigniting the debate over Article 370 and 35A, the Congress Party is playing with fire, risking the hard-won peace and stability in the region for the sake of electoral gains.