Irrelevant to Discuss Article 370 in J&K Assembly Session: BJP
The recent Jammu and Kashmir Assembly session has sparked controversy, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Assembly, Sunil Sharma, stating that it is “irrelevant” to discuss Article 370 in the current session. Sharma’s remarks have been met with backlash from various quarters, with many questioning the motive behind the BJP’s sudden change of stance on the contentious issue.
Article 370, which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir, has been a contentious issue for decades. The BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had long been advocating for its abrogation, citing its potential to create obstacles in the integration of the state with the rest of the country. In August 2019, the Centre unilaterally scrapped Article 370, drawing widespread criticism and protests from various sections of society.
However, in a sudden turn of events, Sharma’s comments have raised questions about the BJP’s commitment to the issue. When asked about the relevance of discussing Article 370 in the Assembly, Sharma said, “It would be a waste of time if we will have the discussion on Article 370 (in the Assembly).” His statement has left many wondering whether the BJP is trying to distance itself from its earlier stance on the issue.
Sharma’s comments have also been seen as a reaction to the lack of progress on the promises made by the Jammu and Kashmir government. The state’s Lieutenant Governor (LG), Manoj Sinha, had recently addressed the Assembly, but Sharma claimed that the address did not reflect the promises made by the state government. “J&K LG Manoj Sinha’s assembly address didn’t reflect the promises made by the state’s present government,” Sharma said, implying that the government had failed to deliver on its promises.
The BJP MLA’s remarks have also been seen as a bid to deflect attention from the state government’s failures. The Jammu and Kashmir government has been facing criticism over its handling of several issues, including the economic crisis, unemployment, and the ongoing protests in the Valley. By diverting attention to Article 370, Sharma may be trying to distract from the government’s failures and shift the focus to a more polarizing issue.
However, not everyone is convinced by Sharma’s arguments. Many see his comments as an attempt to undermine the significance of Article 370 and the sacrifices made by those who fought for its restoration. The issue remains a sensitive topic in Jammu and Kashmir, with many residents still reeling from the aftermath of the Centre’s decision to scrap the special status.
The BJP’s sudden change of stance on Article 370 has also raised questions about the party’s commitment to its ideological principles. The BJP has long been seen as a party that stands for national integration and unity, but its decision to scrap Article 370 was widely seen as a move to divide the state and its people.
In conclusion, Sunil Sharma’s comments on the relevance of discussing Article 370 in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly session have sparked controversy and raised questions about the BJP’s commitment to the issue. While Sharma may be trying to deflect attention from the state government’s failures, his remarks have also been seen as an attempt to undermine the significance of Article 370 and the sacrifices made by those who fought for its restoration.
As the debate on Article 370 continues, it is essential to remember the sacrifices made by those who fought for the state’s special status and the impact of the Centre’s decision on the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP’s commitment to the issue remains uncertain, and only time will tell whether the party will continue to uphold its earlier stance or abandon it in favor of a more pragmatic approach.
