Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched a scathing attack on the Congress-led INDIA bloc, accusing it of conspiring to reinstate Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing his first rally in Maharashtra ahead of the November 20 assembly elections, Modi alleged that Congress and its allies were undermining the Constitution of Babasaheb Ambedkar to serve separatist interests.
“You must have seen it on TV, two-three days ago, Congress and its allies created a ruckus in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly to re-implement Article 370. These people again want the Constitution of Babasaheb Ambedkar to be removed from Jammu and Kashmir. These people again want the reservation of Dalits, Valmiki community to be snatched away. Against the Constitution, against Dalits, backward classes, tribals, Congress is as much a part of this conspiracy as their other allies in the MVA,” Modi remarked in Nashik, as quoted by news agency ANI.
#WATCH | Nashik, Maharashtra: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says “You must have seen it on TV. 2-3 days ago, Congress and its allies created a ruckus in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly to re-implement Article 370. These people again want the Constitution of Babasaheb Ambedkar to be… pic.twitter.com/QuisB4772r
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2024
Addressing a rally in Dhule, Modi warned the electorate against divisive tactics. “Ek hai, toh safe hai (If united, we are safe),” he cautioned, stressing that the Congress was instigating caste-based divisions. He emphasised that no force in the world could reinstate Article 370 and pledged to protect the interests of Dalits, Adivasis, and backward classes.
“Only Ambedkar’s constitution will be followed in J&K. You must have seen on TV how a resolution was moved in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly on bringing back Article 370 and when BJP MLAs protested, they were thrown out. The country and Maharashtra should understand this,” Modi said, as per news agency PTI.
The Prime Minister also criticised Congress and its allies for allegedly promoting the “Pakistan agenda.” He accused them of showcasing “blank books” and claiming they represent the Constitution, in an effort to provoke Dalits and Adivasis. “The agenda won’t succeed till I have people’s blessings,” he declared.
ALSO READ | Jammu & Kashmir Assembly: Another Day, Another Fight Over Article 370
Jammu-Kashmir Assembly Ruckus Over Article 370
The remarks come as ruckus continued for a third consecutive day in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Friday as BJP members protested vehemently against a resolution advocating for the restoration of Article 370. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather had to marshal out 12 opposition MLAs, including Langate legislator Sheikh Khurshid, when chaos erupted in the House. As the BJP members shouted slogans like “Pakistani agenda nahi chalega” (The Pakistani agenda will not work), they jumped into the well of the House, prompting their eviction, PTI reported.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary had moved the contentious resolution on Wednesday. The resolution underscored the importance of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and constitutional protections. It urged the Centre to engage in dialogue with regional representatives to restore these guarantees and develop mechanisms to protect the identity, culture, and rights of the local population, while ensuring national unity.
The House has been in turmoil since the resolution’s passage, with BJP MLAs protesting vigorously. Despite being marshalled out, several BJP members exited the Assembly in protest, vowing to resist any attempts to compromise national integrity.