Congress in alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami, driven by opportunism: BJP

New Delhi, July 3: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a sharp attack on the Congress party over its reported alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami-backed political fronts in Jammu and Kashmir. BJP leaders termed the move as “opportunistic politics” that compromises national interests for electoral gains.

BJP spokespersons and senior leaders took to social media and press briefings to express their displeasure, accusing the Congress of aligning with organizations they claim have a history of radical ideology. “This partnership is not about development or the people of Jammu and Kashmir — it is purely driven by vote-bank politics,” a senior BJP leader said on Wednesday.

BJP Raises Security Concerns

The BJP further alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami has long been associated with separatist sentiments in the region. Though banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in 2019, the organization’s sympathizers continue to maintain influence through proxy groups and political outfits, BJP leaders claimed.

“Aligning with groups that have been under the scanner for promoting divisive ideologies raises serious questions about Congress’s commitment to national security,” said BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh.

Congress Denies Formal Tie-Up

Meanwhile, the Congress has denied having a formal alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami or any of its affiliates. Party leaders argue that they are working with “like-minded secular forces” to counter the BJP’s “authoritarian governance.” However, local political observers note increasing collaboration between Congress workers and members of political fronts said to be sympathetic to the Jamaat’s ideology, especially in the Kashmir Valley.

J&K Political Landscape Heats Up

This political controversy comes as Jammu and Kashmir prepares for upcoming local and assembly-level elections, the first since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. The BJP has positioned itself as the champion of peace and development in the region, while Congress and regional parties accuse the ruling party of silencing dissent and stalling democratic processes.

The BJP claims its recent governance efforts have brought increased investments, development projects, and a relative decline in terror-related incidents. However, opposition parties argue that political repression, joblessness, and alienation among youth remain major concerns in the Union Territory.

Polarizing Move or Political Strategy?

Political analysts believe that Congress’s association — whether formal or informal — with groups linked to Jamaat-e-Islami may play differently across regions. While it might help consolidate a segment of the minority vote in Kashmir, it risks alienating moderate and nationalist voters across the rest of India.

“This is a high-risk strategy. If not handled carefully, it can backfire nationally while offering limited local electoral advantage,” says political analyst Dr. Suraj Kaul.

Conclusion

As the political climate in Jammu and Kashmir intensifies, the allegations exchanged between the BJP and Congress are likely to set the tone for a deeply polarized election season. The Congress will now have to walk a tightrope, defending its alliances and political choices without providing further ammunition to the BJP’s nationalist narrative.