Jammu, Aug 05 (KINS): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday said the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, liberated the people of Jammu and Kashmir from “dynastic politics and political blackmail” and paved the way for development, equal rights, and integration with the rest of the country.
In a statement, BJP J&K spokesperson Dr. Hari Dutt Shishu described August 5 as a historic day that also commemorates the sacrifices of countless workers of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh and the BJP who fought for the abrogation of Article 370.
He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Centre fulfilled the BJP’s long-standing commitment by abrogating Article 370 and reorganising the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Dr. Shishu said the move defeated the designs of anti-national elements and ended what he termed decades of political exploitation under Articles 370 and 35A. He alleged that these provisions were used by a few political families to safeguard their interests while denying equal rights and opportunities to many sections of society.
He paid tribute to Jana Sangh founder Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee and BJP workers who, he said, led the movement under the slogan “Ek Nishan, Ek Vidhan, Ek Pradhan,” enduring imprisonment and hardships in pursuit of full integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India.
The BJP leader said communities such as West Pakistan Refugees, Valmikis, Gorkhas, Paharis, OBCs, SCs, STs, and border residents were deprived of several rights before the constitutional changes of 2019. He claimed that following the abrogation of Article 370, all Central laws and welfare schemes became fully applicable in Jammu and Kashmir, extending constitutional rights and benefits to these communities.
Dr. Shishu maintained that the constitutional changes marked not only a legal transformation but also the restoration of rights and opportunities to people who had remained on the margins for decades.
Highlighting the BJP’s achievements over the past seven years, he referred to major infrastructure and development projects, including AIIMS Jammu, IIT, IIM, new medical colleges, improved road connectivity, industrial investments, Panchayati Raj institutions, tourism promotion, sports infrastructure, and initiatives aimed at tackling narco-terrorism and drug abuse.
Reaffirming the BJP’s commitment to Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Shishu said the party would continue working for equitable development across the Union Territory and would remain committed to the principles of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas.”(KINS)
