Vociferous voices from all ranks of the Bharatiya Janata Party have reached a crescendo as they unitedly struggle to convince the people that what BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi uttered at a political rally in Jammu on the contentious issue of Article 370 was not a departure from the party’s original stand on the law.
At his first ever rally in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, Modi demanded a debate on Article 370 of the Constitution, (granting special status to Jammu and Kashmir) blaming it for preventing gender equality and progress in the state. The Gujarat chief minister even went to the extent of attacking Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on it.
“You talk about implementing what great people said but if that is the case then Mr Prime Minister why aren’t you debating this?” he said. Modi had said that Article 370 has become an impediment for the people of Jammu and Kashmir as it bars progressive laws made by the Centre to be implemented in the state.
This stand on Article 370 taken by the BJP prime ministerial candidate opened a barrage of criticism forcing the party to clarify its stand on multiple forums and multiple times. Ironically in October this year, BJP launched a website—www.bjpelectionmanifesto.com—seeking suggestions from people for its 2014 manifesto but had made it clear that the party will not budge from stands adopted on issues like Ram Temple, uniform civil code and Article 370.
In fact, BJP’s 2009 manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls said, “Article 370 poses a psychological barrier for the full integration of the people of Jammu & Kashmir with the national mainstream. BJP remains committed to the abrogation of this Article.” No wonder, Modi’s call for a “debate” on Article 370 had put the party on a spot. “It is unfortunate on the part of BJP prime ministerial candidate to rake up the issue of Article 370. Modi should realise that even Parliament does not have the mandate to scrap it.
Jammu and Kashmir has become a part of the country only through Article 370. If that is scrapped, Jammu and Kashmir won’t remain a part of the country. What is he going to develop after that?” Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti said in a TV show.
Employing an aggressive stand to protect Modi, BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman said, “There is no shift in the position of the BJP on Article 370. In the name of the Article 370, many of the progressive legislations have not entered Jammu and Kashmir.” “Be it discrimination against women, reservation for Scheduled Tribes, under representation from areas like Udhampur, Rajouri and many others, Article 370 has helped 50-60 families only of the state and Modi opposes that,” Sitharaman said.
However, the Congress said that it only showed the confusion of the BJP over the contentious constitutional provision. “This is nothing but rant on political opportunism by the BJP. BJP itself is confused. Different BJP leaders are having different views on the same issue. Article 370 was not even a part of their manifesto in 2004 and in 2009 they wanted to repeal it completely,” said Haryana minister and Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala.
Lawyer and activist Shabnam Lone also rejected the BJP stand that the Article 370 should be removed altogether. “Modi was right in talking about misgovernance in the state and discrimination against women. But Article 370 is an emotional bridge between the state and the rest of India. He should not politicise it. Modi a did wrong thing by treading on a treacherous territory.
The BJP cannot override the constitution of Jammu and Kashmir,” Lone said. “No law made by Parliament of India will be a law in Jammu and Kashmir without the consent of the state government. For that Article 370 is a must,” she said. Another regional party National Conference also lashed out at the BJP. “BJP is a divided and confused house. BJP is defending something that is not defendable.
Article 370 binds Jammu and Kashmir and India. Challenging Article 370 is like challenging the Constitution,” said NC spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq mincing no words against the saffron party. Even non-political opinions found flaws with Modi’s observation on Article 370. “Modi’s view on Article 370 suggests shift in the party’s view.
The BJP should also realise that only the Kashmir Constituent Assembly can revoke Article 370. There are certain commitments made to Jammu and Kashmir by the Centre via Article 370 and one cannot simply wish them away,” said senior journalist Manoj Joshi.
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