 "Centre will show large heartedness towards J&K, says Amit Shah")
Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday told the Lok Sabha that the Narendra Modi government would ensure free and fair elections in Jammu & Kashmir as soon as the Election Commission announces the poll schedule for the state.
Shah piloted the J&K reservation (amendment) Bill and a resolution to extend central rule by six months in the state, both of which the Lok Sabha passed by a voice vote. In his maiden speech in the Lok Sabha, Shah said, “Article 370 of the Constitution is not permanent.” Article 370 provides for special status to J&K, and one of BJP’s core agenda is to repeal it.
He said the common Kashmiris have benefited from the Modi government’s welfare schemes, while those who espouse the “anti-India” cause are scared. “The people of Kashmir are our people. This government wants to embrace them as our people,” the Home Minister said.
To opposition members’ criticism that Modi government’s policy towards the state has led to sharp increase in the deaths of security personnel, Shah said the government was very much in “control” of the situation in the state. “But you (the Opposition) will not like it because now the power is slipping out of the hands of three families and going to the people,” Shah said. He said the Modi government would show “large heartedness” to allocate funds to the state as it has “suffered” a lot.
The Home Minister said the Modi government was committed to preserving “Kashmiriyat” and detailed the funds spent in the state, particularly on security infrastructure.
Congress members objected to Shah resorting to delving into history to blame first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and subsequent Congress governments at the Centre for much that currently ails Jammu and Kashmir. Later, Congress MP Manish Tewari said Shah did not respond to concerns the opposition raised and “twisted” history.
Shah piloted the J&K reservation (amendment) Bill and a resolution to extend central rule by six months in the state, both of which the Lok Sabha passed by a voice vote. In his maiden speech in the Lok Sabha, Shah said, “Article 370 of the Constitution is not permanent.” Article 370 provides for special status to J&K, and one of BJP’s core agenda is to repeal it.
He said the common Kashmiris have benefited from the Modi government’s welfare schemes, while those who espouse the “anti-India” cause are scared. “The people of Kashmir are our people. This government wants to embrace them as our people,” the Home Minister said.
To opposition members’ criticism that Modi government’s policy towards the state has led to sharp increase in the deaths of security personnel, Shah said the government was very much in “control” of the situation in the state. “But you (the Opposition) will not like it because now the power is slipping out of the hands of three families and going to the people,” Shah said. He said the Modi government would show “large heartedness” to allocate funds to the state as it has “suffered” a lot.
The Home Minister said the Modi government was committed to preserving “Kashmiriyat” and detailed the funds spent in the state, particularly on security infrastructure.
Congress members objected to Shah resorting to delving into history to blame first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and subsequent Congress governments at the Centre for much that currently ails Jammu and Kashmir. Later, Congress MP Manish Tewari said Shah did not respond to concerns the opposition raised and “twisted” history.
One subscription. Two world-class reads.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
SAVE 25%
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Subscribe
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
SAVE 25%