Congress leader Salman Khurshid sparked fresh debate on Monday with a pointed message to “people at home,” questioning whether it is truly so difficult to be patriotic. His remarks come amid political controversy over his recent comments on Article 370, made during an international address in Indonesia. Speaking to a group of academics and think tanks, Khurshid noted that it was unfortunate Pakistan seeks to undermine the progress made in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. His comments appeared to support the revocation of the Article, a move long championed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), but originally opposed by the Congress party.
Khurshid’s statement has drawn sharp reactions, both from political opponents and within his own party, where his views appear to have deepened internal discomfort. The Congress has historically opposed the abrogation of Article 370, arguing that it undermined the federal structure and the unique status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir. In recent years, however, the party has taken a more nuanced and at times ambiguous stance, stopping short of clearly demanding full restoration.
Khurshid, who is currently part of a seven-member all-party delegation touring various countries to engage with the Indian diaspora and global policymakers, seemed to reflect a broader desire to present India’s evolving national priorities abroad. However, his remarks have raised questions about consistency in the Congress’s messaging.
In his social media post, Khurshid indirectly urged citizens to rise above partisan divisions and embrace patriotism, even as domestic political battles intensify. “Is it so difficult to be patriotic?” he asked, in what many interpreted as a subtle critique of divisive political narratives at home. The comment underscores the ongoing tension between national interest narratives abroad and political contestation within India.
-TIN Bureau