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Following the announcement of an alliance between the Congress and the National Conference ahead of the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday claimed that the National Conference manifesto is an "anti-India and a pro-Pakistani document."
Addressing the media, Assam CM said that the National Conference manifesto has clearly said that they are favouring constructive dialogue with Pakistan. "National Conference manifesto, first they have said that they will restore Article 370 and Article 35 A of the Constitution of India. National Conference manifesto has clearly said that they are for constructive dialogue with Pakistan. They have also said that they want to have trade with Pakistan and those who were involved in the stone pelting and various heinous crimes against the civilians and Police, will be taken back to the government service. The National Conference manifesto has also said that they will withhold or they will discontinue the reservation given to the Dalits, Gujars, Bakarwals and Pahari communities...they have also said that they will continue to patronize directly or indirectly, the separatist voices. So under the circumstances, if Congress joined hands with the National Conference, if it is presumed that Congress has endorsed the National Conference manifesto and it is nothing but an anti-India document. It is a pro-Pakistani document. It is a document of a few fundamentalists," Assam CM said. He further said that Congress is against the interests of India and they will continue to be against the interests of this great nation. "They are undermining the heroic sacrifice of our armed forces. I think Congress stands exposed today. Congress was against the interests of India. They are against the interests of India and they will continue to be against the interests of this great nation," he added. In their election manifesto, the PDP promised efforts to restore Articles 370 and 35A and diplomatic initiatives between India and Pakistan and ensure the dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits to the valley. According to the manifesto, the PDP "is resolute in its pursuit of restoring the constitutional guarantees that were unjustly scrapped and is committed to restoring Jammu & Kashmir to its original status, ensuring that the voices of its people are heard and their rights are safeguarded." The party also promised to advocate "diplomatic initiatives between India and Pakistan, emphasising conflict resolution, confidence-building measures, and regional cooperation" and the establishment of "full connectivity across the LoC for trade and social exchange." The polling in Jammu and Kashmir will be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, as per the Election Commission of India. The counting of the votes will take place on October 4. These are the first assembly elections to be held in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370. (ANI)
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