Published Paper Details:

The discourse surrounding "special status" in Indian politics has been a contentious and multifaceted issue, particularly in the context of Jammu and Kashmir. This study conducts a critical discourse analysis (CDA) of the political narratives around special status, focusing on two pivotal movements: The Praja Parishad agitation (1952-53) and the positioning of the National Conference during key historical junctures. The Praja Parishad agitation, rooted in opposition to Article 370, sought full integration of Jammu and Kashmir into India, reflecting ideological tensions between regional autonomy and nationalist centralization. Conversely, the National Conference, under Sheikh Abdullah and his successors, oscillated between advocating for Kashmir's distinct identity and negotiating its political relationship with the Indian Union. The analysis highlights the interplay of power, rhetoric, and historical contingencies in shaping the political trajectory of Jammu and Kashmir, offering insights into the broader dynamics of autonomy, integration and nationalist politics in postcolonial India.