J-K polls: Rajnath calls for debate on Article 370

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday called for a debate on the relevance of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, claiming that the law has hindered the creation of Ladakh as a union territory.

"The Congress, the National Conference (NC) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP) have not given you justice. They have tricked you and just taken your votes. They scare you with Article 370 and say that people from other parts of the country will come and settle here," Singh said while addressing a rally here.

"There should be a debate on Article 370. The people of Jammu and Kashmir need to understand that Ladakh is not getting the status of a union territory because of Article 370. This is why Article 370 needs to be discussed," he added.

Singh further alleged that political parties had neglected the Ladkh region and only the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had its best interests in mind.

"When the people talk of Jammu and Kashmir, they forget Ladakh. However, the BJP can never forget Ladakh because not only is Ladakh India's crown, it is also close to the heart. Military and paramilitary forces may keep Pakistan at bay, but the people of Ladakh also have a huge contribution in that," he stated.

"The people want to get rid of the Congress, the NC and PDP and want a BJP state government, just like the government at the Centre," he added.

The Home Minister also reiterated New Delhi's stand with regard to its foreign policy with India's immediate neighbours.

"We want good relations with all our neighbours as friends change, but neighbours don't. But Pakistan and China must also extend a hand of friendship," he said.

"We can't have good relations with Pakistan and China until border disputes are resolved. Nations must respect each other's territorial integrity," he added.

The assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are scheduled to be held in five phases from November 25 to December 20. The counting of votes will be held on December 23.