Kishtwar, Jammu & Kashmir – Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed a massive public rally in Kishtwar, J&K, where he firmly reiterated the government’s stand on Article 370. Shah, in his speech, took a critical stance against the National Conference (NC) and the Congress, accusing them of making promises to reinstate Article 370 if they were to come to power. He questioned the crowd, “NC and Congress say that they will reinstate Article 370 if their government is formed. Should Article 370 be back?” His rhetorical question was met with loud disapproval from the audience, showcasing widespread support for the abrogation.
Shah highlighted the implications of restoring Article 370, specifically pointing out the consequences it would have on the newly granted reservations to the Pahadi and Gujjar communities. “The reservation which the Pahadis and Gurjar brothers get, would not be possible if Article 370 is restored,” he warned, emphasizing that the constitutional benefits extended to these communities would be jeopardized.
Addressing the political situation in Jammu & Kashmir, Shah dismissed the idea of a resurgence of NC or Congress-led governments. He confidently stated, “I have been observing the environment in Kashmir, neither Farooq Abdullah nor Rahul Gandhi is forming the government here.” According to Shah, the aspirations of these parties are not aligned with the sentiments of the people of J&K, who have embraced the changes brought forth by the abrogation of Article 370.
Referring to Article 370 as a “part of history,” Shah made it clear that there was no place for it in the Indian Constitution anymore. “Article 370 is now a part of the history. There is no place for Article 370 in the Constitution of India,” he declared, underscoring the central government’s irreversible stance on the issue.
He further stressed that the concept of two flags, two constitutions, and two prime ministers in Kashmir was inconceivable and unacceptable in modern India. “There can never be two prime ministers, two constitutions, and two flags in Kashmir. There will only be one flag, and that is our Tricolour,” Shah proclaimed, evoking a strong sense of national unity and reaffirming India’s sovereignty over Jammu & Kashmir.
This rally is part of a larger political campaign by the BJP to strengthen its presence in Jammu & Kashmir and to consolidate the narrative around the abrogation of Article 370, a move that was implemented in August 2019 by the central government. Shah’s remarks reflect the BJP’s firm belief that the abrogation has integrated J&K more closely with the rest of India and opened the region to new opportunities for development and growth.
As the Union Home Minister left the stage amidst cheers, it was evident that the abrogation of Article 370 continues to be a defining issue in the political discourse surrounding Jammu & Kashmir, with the BJP positioning itself as the architect of a new future for the region.
