Article 370 was abrogated by the Narendra Modi government on August 5, 2019 (File)
Raipur: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday firmly stated that Article 370, granting special status to Jammu and Kashmir, will never be revived.
Amit Shah’s statement comes as a response to the election manifestoes of Jammu and Kashmir’s key regional parties, the National Conference (NC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), both promising to work towards the restoration of this controversial provision, which was annulled on August 5, 2019.
Amit Shah’s Clear Message on Article 370
“Article 370 has no place in Jammu and Kashmir now or ever. It will never be restored,” Amit Shah declared during a press conference held in Chhattisgarh’s capital, Raipur, in response to a related question.
The Home Minister was speaking after attending a crucial meeting with top civil and security officials from Naxal-affected states.
Election Manifestoes and Promises
The restoration of Article 370, reinstatement of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, and the implementation of the autonomy resolution passed by the erstwhile assembly in 2000 are key highlights of the NC’s 12 guarantees announced in their election manifesto for the upcoming polls.
“We strive to restore Articles 370 and 35A, and statehood as it existed before August 5, 2019,” the NC’s election document mentioned.
Back in June 2000, the National Conference government, under Farooq Abdullah, had passed a resolution in the J-K Assembly to restore the pre-1953 constitutional position in the state. However, it was rejected by the Union Cabinet led by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
On August 5, 2019, the Narendra Modi-led government abrogated Article 370 and bifurcated the erstwhile state into two Union Territories – Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
PDP’s Election Commitments
On Saturday, the PDP revealed its election manifesto, promising to strive for Jammu and Kashmir’s restoration to its “original status” and to push for confidence-building measures (CBMs) and regional cooperation between India and Pakistan.
“The PDP is steadfast in its mission to reinstate the constitutional guarantees that were unjustly revoked, pledging to restore Jammu and Kashmir to its original status while ensuring the voices of its people are heard and their rights protected,” the manifesto said.
The PDP highlighted that the 2019 revocation of Articles 370 and 35A was “unconstitutional and illegal,” aggravating the Kashmir issue and deepening the region’s alienation.
Amit Shah Criticizes Congress-NC Alliance
On Friday, Amit Shah targeted the Congress for its alliance with the National Conference in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. He accused the Congress of compromising the country’s unity and security in its quest for power.
“The Congress has revealed its hidden motives once again by joining hands with the Abdullah family’s National Conference,” Amit Shah remarked.
Questions for Congress
Posing ten pointed questions to the Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi, Amit Shah asked, “Does the Congress support the National Conference’s promise of a separate flag for Jammu and Kashmir? Does Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party endorse the JKNC’s pledge to reinstate Article 370 and 35A, thereby plunging Jammu and Kashmir back into an era of unrest and terrorism?”
It’s worth noting here that the full name of Farooq Abdullah’s party is Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC).
