AITC has sent a five-member team to Jammu & Kashmir from May 21 to May 23, 2025. The visit is being led by senior leaders Derek O’Brien and Sagarika Ghose. They want to express their solidarity with the victims of the recent cross-border shelling and the dastardly act of terrorism in Pahalgam.
But this step too raises the poser: Is AITC acting purely out of concern or whether it is using the visit as a stepping stone to enlarge its footprints to other states in India?
AITC’s Move: The Context
Jammu & Kashmir holds a special place in India’s political scene. Since the removal of Article 370 in 2019, the region has faced more central control, security issues, and a new electoral setup. Most national parties have moved carefully, trying to respect local concerns while also meeting national goals.
Now, AITC is stepping into J&K for the first time. Led by Mamata Banerjee, the party has mostly focused on West Bengal, with some efforts in Tripura, Goa, and Meghalaya. However, by sending a team to the border districts known for conflict, strength, and strategic value—AITC is clearly showing bigger political ambitions.
The Delegation’s Mission
The AITC delegation’s visit focused on three main areas:
- Interacting with displaced communities near the border
The delegation met families who had been forced to flee due to cross-border shelling and security threats. They wanted to understand the challenges these communities face, including their struggle to meet basic needs and the trauma of living in constant uncertainty. - Assessing local development, security, and rehabilitation
The team looked at the local infrastructure, security measures, and ongoing rehabilitation efforts. They observed how the region has been dealing with the consequences of conflict and identified areas where development has been slow or hindered by ongoing security challenges. - Meeting with local political leaders and civil society groups
The delegation also spoke with local political figures and civil society organizations to understand the region’s political situation. They wanted to assess the impact of changes following the revocation of Article 370 and how it has affected the local population.
Although the visit was framed as a “fact-finding mission,” it clearly had political motives. The delegation’s focus on border areas, development, and security highlights a broader political interest in the region’s future.
Political Strategy Behind the Outreach
The move seems to have multiple goals:
- Expanding National Presence:
AITC wants to grow beyond its regional base and become a national alternative to the BJP and Congress. Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), with its five Lok Sabha seats and symbolic importance, is a key step in this plan. - Positioning as a Secular Party:
By entering J&K, a Muslim-majority region with complex politics, AITC can strengthen its image as a secular, inclusive, and liberal party. This counters the growing narrative of communal polarization in Indian politics. - Filling the Opposition Gap:
Regional parties in J&K are still adjusting after the changes brought by the removal of Article 370. AITC sees an opportunity to step in and fill the political void, especially by aligning with local influencers or engaging disillusioned youth. - Building a National Narrative:
AITC’s move into such a sensitive region gives it a platform to question the BJP’s policies. The party can use this opportunity to raise concerns over human rights, governance, and development, challenging the ruling government in Parliament and media debates.
Challenges AITC May Face
Even with a clear strategy, AITC faces several obstacles:
- Limited Local Connection:
Unlike parties like regional National Conference (NC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or the Apni Party, AITC doesn’t have that kind of a strong grassroots network in J&K. This would deprive the party of local roots, perhaps making it more difficult to identify with the people. - Security Concerns:
Bordering districts of J&K are extremely militarised and under constant surveillance. Any political participation there would soon be controversial or misapprehended, which would only complicate things further. - Voter Perception:
Many J&K voters may see AITC as an outsider, unfamiliar with the region’s unique political struggles and history. The party will have to work to gain trust and show a real investment in local concerns. - Risk of Overstretching:
Any blunder by AITC, through an indiscreet statement or a frivolous political stunt, might end up embarrassing the party, both at the local and the national levels. It’s a high-wire act, one that easily could backfire.
Implications for National Politics
If AITC succeeds, it could impact national politics in several ways:
- Shift in Opposition Dynamics:
AITC could strengthen its position within the INDIA alliance, making it a more credible alternative to Congress on the national stage. - Redefining Regional Politics:
J&K has been largely controlled by a few regional parties. If AITC stays committed, it could split votes or lead to new political alliances. - BJP’s Response:
The ruling BJP may respond by emphasizing its development agenda or focusing more on national security, especially in border areas. - Voter Re-Engagement:
AITC’s move could prompt other national parties to engage more seriously with J&K, shifting their approach from occasional election rhetoric to more meaningful, long-term involvement.
Final Thoughts
AITC’s outreach to Jammu & Kashmir marks a key political move. Whether for national growth or electoral strategy, Mamata Banerjee aims to expand her party’s influence. Success will depend on building real connections and understanding local politics. Over time, we’ll see if this is symbolic or a serious political effort.
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