BJP to scrap Article 370 if voted back to power: Shah

BJP president Amit Shah Sunday said the Article 370 that gives special powers to Kashmir will be scrapped if Narendra Modi is elected as prime minister again.

Targeting the Congress on the issue of national security, he said the Manmohan Singh-led Congress government did nothing when Pakistan beheaded five Indian soldiers but under Modi rule air strikes were carried out in Balakot.

Addressing a rally at Chogan Maidan in Himachal Pradesh's Chamba district, Shah pointed out that Congress leader Sam Pitroda said instead of air strikes, "we should talk to militants".

"If Pakistan will fire a bullet, we will reply with shell," the BJP chief said.

He addressed two rallies in Himachal Pradesh on Sunday. Shah was campaigning in support of Kangra BJP candidate Kishan Kapoor and Hamirpur sitting MP Anurag Thakur.

Citing former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah's comment that there should be another prime minister for the state, Shah said, "All this indicated their mindset but if the BJP comes to power again and Modi becomes prime minister, Article 370 will be removed for sure."
Targeting Pitroda further, the BJP chief said, "If you ask a question regarding the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, the Congress says 'hua to hua'. If you ask a question regarding the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai and migration of Kashmiri Pandits, Congress says 'hua to hua'."
Counting various development works done in Himachal Pradesh under the Modi government, he said, "Process is on to set up an international airport at Mandi. It will be done after Modi government comes to power again at the Centre."
While addressing another rally in Bilaspur in support of Anurag Thakur, he said, "You elect Anurag with a record margin, I will ensure making him a big leader."