List of Idioms and Phrases from The HINDU editorial: “Kashmir conflict: On the J&K elections”

List of Idioms and Phrases from The HINDU editorial: “Kashmir conflict: On the J&K elections”

The upcoming elections have brought to the fore the contentious issue of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, and political parties are walking a tightrope to balance competing interests. The BJP has turned that into a weapon, using the removal of Article 370 as a key point in their campaign. The party’s mobilization strategy has been effective in rallying support nationwide, but now it is being tested in the place where it matters—Kashmir itself.

As the elections approach, it seems that many political actors have drifted away from the possibility of a unified stance on how to handle the region’s challenges, further complicating the political landscape.

1.  Brought to the fore

• Meaning: To highlight or make an issue prominent.
• Example: "The elections brought to the fore the debate on Jammu and Kashmir's special status."

2.  Walking a tightrope

• Meaning: To be in a situation where one needs to carefully balance or navigate to avoid difficulties.
• Example: "The Congress is walking a tightrope on the issue of Article 370 to maintain political balance."

3.  Turned that into a weapon

• Meaning: To use something, such as a fact or argument, as a tool to attack or criticize others.
• Example: "The BJP turned the removal of Kashmir’s special status into a weapon against its political opponents."

4.  Mobilization strategy

• Meaning: A plan or action designed to rally support or gather resources, especially in a political context.
• Example: "The party's position on Kashmir has often been used as a mobilization strategy across the country."

5.  Tested in the place where it matters

• Meaning: To face a challenge in the most relevant or critical context.
• Example: "The BJP's stance on Kashmir is now being tested in the place where it matters most – Jammu and Kashmir itself."

6.  Drift away

• Meaning: To move away from something or to lose focus on a particular goal or agreement.
• Example: "Political parties have drifted away from any possible consensus on how to handle the Kashmir conflict."