Amit Shah’s Fiery Speech on Article 370 and Rahul Gandhi
During a campaign rally in Jharkhand, Union Home Minister Amit Shah made strong remarks against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and his party, focusing on the contentious issue of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. His speech emphasized the BJP’s stance and sent a clear message to the opposition about their intentions regarding the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.
Background of Article 370
Article 370 was a temporary provision in the Indian Constitution that granted special autonomy to the region of Jammu and Kashmir. It was introduced in 1949, allowing the state to have its own constitution, flag, and special laws regarding residency and property ownership. Due to this provision, Indian citizens from other states could not buy land or settle in Jammu and Kashmir.
In August 2019, the BJP-led central government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, took the historic step of abrogating Article 370, effectively removing the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. The state was then reorganized into two Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. This decision was highly controversial and sparked intense political debates across the country.
Key Points from Amit Shah’s Speech
1. Criticism of Rahul Gandhi’s Constitution Display:
- Amit Shah criticized Rahul Gandhi for displaying a copy of the Indian Constitution during his campaign, implying it was a mere political stunt.
- He accused Rahul of showing a “fake copy” of the Constitution, stating, “This is not a genuine copy of the Indian Constitution. By doing this, Rahul Gandhi is making a mockery of the Constitution and disrespecting its values.”
- Shah suggested that by misusing the Constitution for political gains, Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party were disrespecting the foundational principles laid by leaders like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
2. “Article 370 Will Never Return”:
- Amit Shah confidently declared, “Not just Rahul Gandhi, even the fourth generation of his family cannot bring back Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.”
- This statement highlighted the BJP’s firm stand on the abrogation of Article 370, emphasizing that the special status would never be reinstated under any circumstances.
3. Action Against Terrorism:
- Shah lauded the Modi government’s strong response to terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.
- He reminded the audience of the surgical strikes carried out by India in response to the Uri and Pulwama terrorist attacks, which were seen as decisive actions against terrorism.
- “During Manmohan Singh’s tenure, there were frequent terror attacks. But after Modi became Prime Minister, our army conducted surgical strikes and gave a fitting response to the terrorists,” he said.
4. Criticism of Congress Party’s Stand:
- Shah pointed out that several opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Sharad Pawar, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, and M.K. Stalin, had opposed the abrogation of Article 370 in Parliament.
- He accused the Congress party of siding with separatist forces, stating, “By opposing the removal of Article 370, the Congress party is supporting those who want to see bloodshed in the valley.”
5. OBC and Reservation Issue:
- Shah also accused the Congress party of opposing the rights of Other Backward Classes (OBC) and undermining the reservation system for backward communities.
- He alleged that the Congress party was making false promises of 10% reservation for minorities, which, according to him, was a move based on religion. Shah reiterated that the BJP would never allow religion-based reservations in India.
Political Scenario in Jammu and Kashmir
Since the abrogation of Article 370, the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir has changed significantly. Local political parties, especially the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the National Conference (NC), have been demanding the restoration of the special status of the region. They formed the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration, a coalition aimed at fighting for the rights and autonomy of the region as per the pre-2019 status.
These parties argue that the removal of Article 370 was unconstitutional and that it stripped the region of its unique identity and special privileges. They have been actively campaigning to restore statehood and special status for Jammu and Kashmir.
Implications of Amit Shah’s Speech
Boosting BJP’s Election Campaign:
- Amit Shah’s aggressive stance aimed to consolidate BJP’s vote base by emphasizing the party’s strong nationalistic credentials and commitment to India’s unity.
- By attacking Rahul Gandhi and the Congress, Shah sought to paint the BJP as the only party capable of safeguarding India’s territorial integrity and national security.
Response from Opposition Parties:
- The Congress and other opposition parties reacted strongly to Amit Shah’s comments. They defended their stance on Article 370, arguing that its abrogation had led to unrest and violations of human rights in the region.
- Opposition leaders asserted that the decision to revoke Article 370 had been made without consulting the people of Jammu and Kashmir and was imposed forcefully by the central government.
Impact on the Political Landscape:
- Amit Shah’s speech underlined the BJP’s commitment to maintaining its decision on Jammu and Kashmir’s status. It signaled to both domestic and international audiences that the Indian government would not reconsider its position on Article 370.
- The speech also intensified the debate on regional autonomy, the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and the central government’s role in determining state policies.
Conclusion
Amit Shah’s fiery rhetoric against Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party showcased the BJP’s unwavering stance on the abrogation of Article 370. His assertion that even the “fourth generation” of the Gandhi family could not reinstate the special status highlighted the irreversible nature of this decision as far as the BJP is concerned.
The issue of Article 370 continues to be a significant political talking point, influencing national discourse and shaping the political strategies of various parties. As the situation in Jammu and Kashmir evolves, it remains a critical topic of debate, reflecting broader questions about federalism, regional identity, and the balance of power between the central government and the states.
Amit Shah’s furious speech on Article 370 and Congress Rahul Gandhi… | My Bharat Guru
Discussion about this post