Assam CM Slams National Conference's 'Pro-Pakistani' Manifesto Amid Congress Alliance

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma criticizes the National Conference manifesto, calling it 'anti-India' and 'pro-Pakistan,' in light of Congress-NC alliance for upcoming Jammu and Kashmir polls. The manifesto advocates restoring Articles 370 and 35A, dialogue with Pakistan, and restoring government services to former stone-pelters.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday denounced the National Conference's manifesto as an 'anti-India and pro-Pakistan document,' following the announcement of an alliance between the Congress and the National Conference for the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking to the media, Sarma criticized the manifesto's call for the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution and its encouragement of constructive dialogue and trade with Pakistan. He also condemned the proposal to reinstate individuals involved in stone-pelting and other crimes into government service and the plan to discontinue reservations for Dalits, Gujars, Bakarwals, and Pahari communities.

Highlighting these points, Sarma claimed that Congress's partnership with the National Conference implies an endorsement of the manifesto, branding it 'a document of a few fundamentalists.' He further accused Congress of being historically against India's interests and disrespecting the sacrifices of armed forces.

(With inputs from agencies.)