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The political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir took a sharp turn on November 6, 2024, as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged a strong protest against a resolution passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, demanding the restoration of the erstwhile state's special status revoked in 2019. This standoff highlights the deeply rooted divisions and contrasting ideologies surrounding the future of Jammu and Kashmir, a region that continues to be at the heart of political debate in India.
The resolution, moved by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary of the National Conference (NC), reaffirmed the importance of Article 370 and its role in safeguarding the identity, culture, and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It urged the Government of India to initiate dialogue with the elected representatives from the region to restore the special status and constitutional guarantees. The resolution was passed by a voice vote, but the subsequent uproar led to the adjournment of the Assembly proceedings until Thursday.
The BJP, however, strongly condemned the resolution, labeling it illegal and vowing to not allow the Assembly proceedings to continue until it was withdrawn. Leader of the Opposition Sunil Sharma asserted that the Parliament's decision to abrogate Article 370 was upheld by the Supreme Court, rendering the Assembly resolution unconstitutional. He accused the Speaker, Abdul Rahim Rather, of bias in favor of the ruling NC and demanded clarity from the Congress, an alliance partner of the NC, on their stance regarding the resolution.
The BJP's stance, while vehemently opposing the resolution, also included a promise to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir at an opportune time. This statement, while offering a potential pathway for resolving the ongoing political deadlock, underscores the complex nature of the issue and the multitude of conflicting perspectives. The BJP's insistence on a resolution withdrawal before any further proceedings, coupled with their promise of future statehood restoration, suggests a strategy of maintaining pressure on the government while attempting to project an image of constructive engagement.
The political battle over the resolution is indicative of a broader struggle between different political ideologies and their visions for Jammu and Kashmir. While the NC, through the resolution, expresses a desire to reclaim the region's special status and autonomy, the BJP, with its strong emphasis on national unity and its own interpretation of the constitutional validity of the Article 370 abrogation, presents a contrasting narrative. The outcome of this ongoing political struggle will have profound implications for the future of Jammu and Kashmir, impacting the lives of millions and potentially shaping the course of Indian politics for years to come.
Source: Won't allow J&K Assembly to function until resolution on Art 370 withdrawn: BJP