‘Act of Stupidity’: BJP Condemns Resolution Calling for Article 370 Restoration in J&K

Senior BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi Thursday termed the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly's resolution advocating for the revival of Article 370 as "act of stupidity".
It is a voice vote passed on Wednesday, with all parties, except BJP supporting restoring special status and constitutional guarantees.

On the third day of the session of the Assembly, the Omar Abdullah government introduced a resolution that was moved by J&K Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, seconded by NC leader Sakina Masood. The resolution reflected the concern of "unilateral removal" of the special guarantees that provide protection to the unique identity, culture, and rights enjoyed by Jammu and Kashmir since decades.

Reacting to the resolution, Naqvi observed, "The people who are doing such idiocy are well aware of the Constitution's demarcation of rights to the Assembly and the Parliament. A race to usurp the authority of the Parliament is of no avail."

He added that Article 370 must be treated as history, as it stands "buried 370 km in the ground."

Naqvi also attacked the National Conference (NC) for having this resolution and said that the abrogation of Article 370 has actually resolved many issues for the Union Territory.

"High polling percentage in the Assembly elections is an indication of people's desire for change. However, some sections of the separatists along with their sympathizers are still opposed to the progress," he added.

Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma also flayed the resolution, saying that when the House's scheduled business was to discuss the address of the Lt Governor, it was strange that such a resolution was brought and passed.
Independent MLAs Sheikh Khurshid Ahmed, Shabir Ahmad, and Sajad Lone of the People's Conference (PC) and three MLAs from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) also voted in favour of the resolution.
Interestingly, Article 370 was abrogated by Modi government on August 5, 2019.