Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday dared the Congress to hold a press conference and announce that the party will restore Article 370.
“I challenge the Congress party to hold a press conference and say they will restore 370. They talk big about the Constitution. They talk about Babasaheb Ambedkar. They abuse us so much. But Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Constitution was not applicable for the entire nation. For 70 years, the Indian Constitution was not applicable in Jammu and Kashmir. There, Dalits are getting reservation for the first time [after the Article 370 move]. The Valmiki community is getting reservation for the first time. What are they talking about? Do they have the courage to hold a press conference and say ‘we’ll bring back Article 370’? Can any party dare say that?” Prime Minister Modi said in an exclusive interview with Network18 which was anchored by Network18, Managing Editor and Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi along with News18 Lokmat anchor Vilas Bade and News18 Kannada Editor Hariprasad.
The Article 370 of the Indian Constitution granted special autonomous status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. However, it was abrogated on 5 August, 2019 resulting in the removal of the special privileges that Jammu and Kashmir enjoyed such as its separate constitution, flag and autonomy over internal matters except defence, communications and foreign affairs.
After its abrogation, the state of Jammu and Kashmir was reorganised into two separate Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
In December last year, Prime Minister Modi hailed the Supreme Court’s verdict on Article 370 and said it is not just a legal judgment, but a beacon of hope.
“The verdict today is not just a legal judgment; it is a beacon of hope, a promise of a brighter future and a testament to our collective resolve to build a stronger, more united India,” the prime minister said in a post on X with the hashtag #NayaJammuKashmir. He also called the verdict “historic and constitutionally upholds the decision taken by the Parliament of India on 5th August 2019; it is a resounding declaration of hope, progress and unity for our sisters and brothers in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.”
“We are determined to ensure that the fruits of progress not only reach you but also extend their benefits to the most vulnerable and marginalised sections of our society who suffered due to Article 370,” the prime minister said.
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(Source: Firstpost)
