Congress statements on Kashmir show political opportunism: Venkaiah Naidu

Naidu accused congress for trying to exonerate Pakistan and called its policy towards Kashmir has always been inconsistent

Congress leaders' statements on Kashmir show the party is not only badly divided over the issue but is also guided by sheer political opportunism, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said on Thursday.

Questioning senior Congress leader P Chidambaram's statement that Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should join hands with Congress and National Conference to resolve the crisis in Jammu and Kashmir, Naidu said: "What do they mean PDP, Congress, NC should come together? Are they trying to unsettle an elected government in the state?"

Naidu asked why the Congress was trying to exonerate Pakistan, saying: "I appeal them to be sensitive, realistic, and to act and speak accordingly."

"Congress is divided on the issue of Kashmir. Their party disowned the statements given by senior leaders like P Chidambaram, Kapil Sibal and Salman Khurshid. These statements and contradictions by Congress show a lack maturity and political opportunism," Naidu added.

He said what is consistent about Congress party's policy on Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir is its inconsistency.

"Congress has once again displayed its insensitivity on Kashmir issue. Its own leaders are not in consonance. It appears that Congress leaders are not guided by national interest but political opportunism," the minister said.

Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mention of Balochistan in his Independence Day address, Khurshid had said the reference amounted to "ruining our case on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir".

His colleague Kapil Sibal said the Balochistan mention will have "consequences".

The Congress party, however, distanced itself from the statements of Khurshid and Sibal.