"Even if Indira Gandhi returns from heaven, Article 370 will not be restored": Amit Shah in Maharashtra

Union Home Minister Amit Shah made a strong statement in Dhule, Maharashtra, emphasizing that the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 will not be reinstated, even if former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi were to return from heaven. Shah’s remarks come as Jammu and Kashmir’s political leaders continue to demand the restoration of Article 370, which was revoked in August 2019. Shah’s comment reinforces the government's unwavering stance on the matter, reflecting the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) commitment to maintaining the current structure of Jammu and Kashmir as a Union Territory.

Article 370, which had given Jammu and Kashmir autonomy, was abrogated by the BJP government in 2019, leading to significant political and social shifts in the region. Jammu and Kashmir was reorganized into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Since the abrogation, the region has experienced a blend of increased central control and unrest, particularly from political leaders in Kashmir, who argue that the region’s autonomy is vital to preserving its identity. Shah's statement dismissed any chance of reversing this decision, despite ongoing protests from opposition parties and local groups calling for its restoration.

Shah’s speech also responded to claims made by Congress leader Sushilkumar Shinde, who had recently voiced concerns over the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Shinde, during a visit to the region, had expressed his discomfort in visiting Lal Chowk in Srinagar, claiming that he feared for his safety. Shah rejected Shinde's comments, asserting that the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir had significantly improved following the abrogation of Article 370. Shah argued that if Shinde had visited the region today with his family, he would have found it to be perfectly safe. Shah’s statement seeks to counter the narrative that the region remains unstable and unsafe post-abrogation.

Additionally, Shah criticized the Congress party's proposal to introduce Muslim reservations in India. This proposal has become a topic of considerable debate, with several political figures supporting it, while others, including Shah, have expressed concerns over its potential divisive impact. Shah argued that implementing Muslim-specific reservations could undermine the existing reservation system, which currently benefits Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). According to Shah, such a policy would harm the interests of these groups, and he accused Congress of attempting to divide the electorate along religious lines. His remarks reflect the BJP’s focus on ensuring reservations for marginalized communities based on social and economic criteria rather than religious affiliations.

In his address, Shah also targeted the opposition alliance, Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which includes the Shiv Sena (UBT), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Congress. Shah dubbed the MVA as an "Aurangzeb Fan Club," criticizing the alliance's ideological stance and its inability to deliver on promises made to the people of Maharashtra. He argued that the MVA had failed to provide governance that met the needs of the people of the state. Shah’s criticism of the MVA, particularly the Congress party's role within the alliance, highlights the BJP's strategy to discredit the opposition ahead of the Maharashtra state elections. The BJP is aiming to consolidate its position in the state by highlighting the perceived failures of the MVA and promoting the successes of the BJP-led government.

Shah concluded his speech by emphasizing the BJP's commitment to the welfare of marginalized communities, including the OBCs, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes, and asserting that the party would continue to work for national unity and integrity. He reaffirmed the government's position on Article 370 and Muslim reservations, positioning these as key issues for the BJP in the ongoing political discourse.