In a significant move ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Home Minister Amit Shah firmly ruled out any possibility of restoring Article 370, which had granted special status to the erstwhile state. The abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marked a turning point in Kashmir’s political landscape. Shah, in his recent visit to the region, made it clear that the controversial provision has “become history” and will not be reinstated.
The manifesto unveiled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) focuses on the continued development, peace, and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir, reinforcing the government’s commitment to integrate the region more closely with the rest of India. Shah’s visit and his strong stance on the issue come at a crucial time, with the first Assembly elections in the region since 2014 set to take place. These elections are seen as a litmus test for the BJP’s policies in the Union Territory.
Article 370: A Divisive Issue
Article 370, which had provided Jammu and Kashmir with special autonomy, was abrogated on August 5, 2019. The provision had allowed the region to have its own constitution and limited the Indian Parliament’s powers over the state. The removal of Article 370 was accompanied by the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories—Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
For decades, Article 370 had been a contentious issue. While many in Jammu and Kashmir saw it as a safeguard of their unique identity, the BJP and its supporters viewed it as an obstacle to full integration with India. The removal of the provision has been a cornerstone of the BJP’s policy towards Kashmir, and the party argues that it has led to increased investment, development, and security in the region.
Shah, during his address, emphasized the BJP’s achievements in Jammu and Kashmir post-2019. “The years between 2014 and 2024 will be written in golden letters for Jammu and Kashmir. Article 370 and 35-A are now part of the past; they are not part of the Constitution,” Shah declared. He accused previous governments of appeasing separatists and destabilizing forces in the region, contrasting this with the BJP’s firm stance on national integration.
Congress and National Conference: Promises to Restore Article 370
In contrast, the National Conference (NC), led by Farooq Abdullah, has promised in its election manifesto to restore Article 370 if voted to power. The NC, contesting the elections in alliance with the Congress, has made this a central theme of its campaign. The Congress, while not as vocal, has shown tacit support for the NC’s stance, indicating that the restoration of the special status remains on their agenda.
The BJP, however, has criticized this approach, calling it a step backward. Shah pointed out that the abrogation of Article 370 has brought unprecedented development to Jammu and Kashmir, with investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. “Those who talk about bringing back Article 370 are living in the past. It was Article 370 that led to guns and stones in the hands of the youth in Kashmir. We will never allow it to return,” he asserted.
Amit Shah’s Two-Day Visit: Strengthening BJP’s Foothold
Amit Shah’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir is seen as a strategic move to bolster the BJP’s position ahead of the elections. During his two-day tour, Shah met with party workers, local leaders, and civil society members to discuss the region’s future and the BJP’s role in it. He reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir has been a priority for the BJP since the party’s inception, and efforts have been made over the decades to ensure its complete integration with India.
“Jammu and Kashmir has always been an integral part of India. The BJP has worked tirelessly to ensure that the region remains connected to the rest of the country, despite the challenges posed by separatism and terrorism,” Shah said.
Shah also highlighted the changes brought about by the abrogation of Article 370, including the end of special privileges for a select few and the extension of constitutional rights to all residents of the Union Territory. “We have ensured that the benefits of India’s development reach every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir. The region is now on a path to peace and prosperity,” he stated.
Criticism of Congress and the Past Governments
In his speech, Shah did not shy away from criticizing the Congress and previous governments for their handling of Kashmir. He accused them of pursuing policies of appeasement that weakened India’s position in the region and emboldened separatist forces.
“Under the shadow of Article 370, we saw governments bowing down to separatist demands. The Hurriyat and other organizations were given undue importance, leading to instability and violence. This approach only harmed Jammu and Kashmir and kept it disconnected from the rest of India,” Shah remarked.
The BJP’s narrative contrasts sharply with that of the Congress, which has been criticized for its lack of a clear strategy on Kashmir. While the NC has made its position on Article 370 clear, the Congress has been more ambiguous, leading to questions about its commitment to restoring the special status.
A New Era for Jammu and Kashmir
The upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are being closely watched across the country. For the BJP, these elections are an opportunity to cement the gains made since 2019 and to demonstrate that its policies have the support of the people in the region. The BJP’s manifesto for Jammu and Kashmir promises a “peaceful, safe, developed and prosperous” future for the Union Territory.
The elections will also be a test for the opposition, particularly the National Conference and Congress, who are banking on the promise of restoring Article 370 to win over voters. However, the BJP’s emphasis on development, security, and national integration has resonated with many, and the party is confident that it will emerge victorious.
As Jammu and Kashmir prepares to vote, the region stands at a crossroads. The choices made in these elections will shape its future for years to come. For the BJP, the goal is clear: to continue the work of integrating Jammu and Kashmir fully into the Indian Union and ensuring that the region’s development remains a priority.
Overview
The BJP’s stand on Article 370, as articulated by Amit Shah, reflects the party’s broader vision for Jammu and Kashmir. With a focus on development, security, and national unity, the BJP aims to move the region forward and leave behind the years of instability and violence. The Assembly elections will be a critical moment for Jammu and Kashmir, as voters decide between the BJP’s vision of a fully integrated and prosperous Union Territory and the opposition’s promise to restore the old status quo.
