Jammu BJP MLA targets own party over Article 35A, warns against scrapping provision

Voicing his dissent over the BJP's stand on Article 35A, a party legislator in Jammu and Kashmir today warned that scrapping the constitutional provision with an eye on the 2019 Lok Sabha election could lead to serious consequences.

Gagan Bhagat, a member of Legislative Assembly from R S Pura constituency, said he had launched a campaign to mobilize public support to safeguard Articles 370 and 35A, which give special rights and privileges to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

His remarks found mention on former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti's Twitter handle today, where she said it was "heartening" that BJP leaders were coming out in support of Article 35-A.

"Today I feel relieved that regardless of political views or affiliations, we are all on the same page as far as protecting the special status of J-K is concerned," Mufti wrote.

Last month, Bhagat found himself in trouble after the BJP state disciplinary committee recommended his suspension from the party for three months. It also proposed to restrain him from holding official position in the party for one year.

The disciplinary action against Bhagat was taken after an ex-serviceman alleged that the BJP leader had abducted his daughter a charge the legislator and the woman have denied.

However, Bhagat's estranged wife Monika Sharma publicly accused him of having an extra-marital affair with the woman.

Describing Articles 370 and 35A as "shields", Bhagat said the people in Kashmir Valley were aware of the "pros and cons" of the provision and were "fighting our battle as well".

"If Article 35A is tinkered with, the day will not be far when the youth of Jammu will also pick up guns and stones. The BJP is selling dreams and want to sacrifice the interests of Jammu to achieve its goal of 300 plus (seats) in the upcoming parliamentary elections," the disgruntled BJP leader told PTI.

A debate over continuing the constitutional provisions has picked up in recent months, after several pleas were filed in the Supreme Court challenging the validity of Article 35A, which permits only the subjects of Jammu and Kashmir to buy property in the state.

On August 6, the court said a three-judge bench would decide whether the pleas should be referred to a five-judge Constitution bench for examining the larger issue of alleged violation of the doctrine of basic structure of the Constitution.

The BJP legislator said the Dogras will face the brunt if Article 35A goes.

"We will lose everything - our identity, jobs, business and our land to outsiders. We will be left with no option but to either pick up the gun or stones for our rights."
The BJP leader said the Kashmiri youth did not pick up the gun in one day. "They are being compelled as they are subjected to arrest and torture."