Azad Takes Aim at NC, Congress; Says Article 370 Restoration Solely in Government of India’s Hands
BANI/JAMMU, Sept 28: Ghulam Nabi Azad, chairman of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), reaffirmed that the restoration of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, lies solely within the authority of the Government of India. Taking a subtle swipe at the National Conference (NC) and the Congress, Azad emphasized that while both parties have campaigned on the promise of restoring statehood, it is the BJP leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, that has already committed to this course of action.
During a press interaction, Azad underscored his active role in Parliament during the debates on Article 370 and statehood, contrasting his stance with the relative silence of the NC and the PDP. He reiterated that only the central government has the power to reinstate Article 370, stressing that no state authority can restore it. “I have spoken on this matter in Parliament, and both the Prime Minister and the Home Minister have committed to restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood,” he said.
Azad’s remarks come in the context of growing political discourse on the status of Jammu and Kashmir, where Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has also called for the restoration of statehood. Gandhi warned that the opposition bloc, INDIA, would mobilize both within and outside Parliament if the government fails to act after the upcoming assembly elections.
While campaigning for DPAP’s candidate in Bani, Kathua district, Azad highlighted the excitement among the electorate, noting the significance of these elections after a ten-year gap. Addressing a large public gathering, he appealed to voters to unite for development and progress, cautioning them against false promises and divisive slogans.
“By voting for the DPAP, the people of Bani can chart a path toward a prosperous and inclusive future for Jammu and Kashmir,” Azad declared, urging the electorate to focus on building unity and prioritizing genuine progress in the region. He expressed confidence that his party would lead efforts to rebuild and develop the Union Territory, promising a future marked by growth and stability.
