BJP: Time to "say goodbye to Article 370" in J&K
The Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) unit of the BJP said it's time for the state to "say goodbye to Article 370 and ask the Government of India to revoke Article 35 A." BJP spokesperson Virender Gupta said these articles have created "separatist emotion" and hampered progress and development rather than benefiting the state. The BJP and PDP constitute the ruling coalition in J&K.
Status enjoyed by J&K with Article 370
Article 370 drafted in Indian Constitution provides 'temporary provision' by which Jammu & Kashmir enjoys special autonomous status. J&K's residents live under a separate set of laws, such as those relating to "citizenship, ownership of property, and fundamental rights" in comparison to the rest of Indians. Because of Article 370, Centre cannot declare the state of financial emergency in the state.
What is Article 35A of the Indian constitution
It is the Article 35A (1954) and not Article 370 that prevents Indian citizens who are not J&K citizens from acquiring "immovable property and exercising voting rights in Jammu and Kashmir."
BJP: Article 370 encourages separatists, allows external interference to India
"The prevailing situation in the Valley shows that Article 370 has created a separatist psyche and acts as a breeding ground for separatist emotion," Gupta said. This prevents the Kashmir issue from being settled and encourages separatists and external elements to interfere in India's internal matters, threatening national integrity. Gupta said Article 370 is also leading to Valley's alienation from the national mainstream.
BJP: J&K underdeveloped because of Article 370
Gupta has accused the Kashmiri leadership of using Article 370 to exploit citizens to forward their own vested political interests. He said J&K remains underdeveloped and unable to create its own sustainable economy despite receiving massive funding from the Indian government. He said external industrialists and businesses remain hesitant to expand operations in J&K, causing an unemployment crisis and migration of skilled talent.
