New Delhi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah delivered a forceful critique of the Congress party in the wake of the Supreme Court’s affirmation of the constitutional validity of the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Shah, addressing the Rajya Sabha, expressed deep frustration at the Congress’s continued refusal to accept the court’s verdict, stating, “I can’t explain to them what is the reality.”
Shah articulated that the existence of Article 370 had contributed to separatism, ultimately fostering the rise of terrorism in the region. He passionately urged the Congress to reassess its stance in light of historical and contemporary realities, cautioning that the persistent opposition could lead to a significant political confrontation in the upcoming 2024 elections.
The Rajya Sabha responded by unanimously passing the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023 through a voice vote. These bills mark significant amendments to key laws within the Union Territory.
During his address, Shah invoked India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, placing responsibility on him for the unresolved Kashmir issue. Shah criticized Nehru for leaving the accession of Jammu and Kashmir incomplete and quoted a statement from Nehru to underscore the historical context.
Delving into post-Article 370 abrogation developments, Shah highlighted the government’s successful initiatives in dismantling the ecosystem of terror funding in Jammu and Kashmir. He provided detailed statistics, indicating the registration of terrorism finance cases, the number of arrests made, and the significant properties seized as part of the government’s concerted efforts to curb terrorism.
This robust exchange in the Rajya Sabha reflects the ongoing national discourse surrounding the historic decision to abrogate Article 370 and its implications, adding another chapter to the complex narrative of Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape.
