Mehbooba Mufti Alleges BJP’s Attempts to Undermine Constitutional Values, Highlights Supreme Court’s Vital Role
02-08-2023 : PDP president, Mehbooba Mufti, asserted that the Supreme Court remains the last bastion of upholding the supremacy of the Indian Constitution in the country. Her statements came amidst the ongoing hearings at the Supreme Court concerning the petitions challenging the Centre’s decision to revoke Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking at a media briefing held at the PDP office, Mehbooba Mufti emphasized that the entire world is closely observing the proceedings before the Supreme Court, considering the significance of the matter. She highlighted that despite being a Muslim-majority state, Jammu and Kashmir rejected the two-nation theory based on religion and chose to align with India. The state received assurances under the Constitution, not from any foreign country, including China or Pakistan.
Mehbooba Mufti stressed the pivotal role of the Supreme Court in safeguarding the Constitution, as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been accused of disregarding the apex court’s decisions and altering the Constitution using its parliamentary majority. She pointed out that the BJP even passed an ordinance that contradicted a previous Supreme Court ruling on Delhi, terming it unconstitutional.
According to her, the Supreme Court must take a resolute and courageous stand to protect the majesty of the Constitution, indicating that it is the only institution left capable of preserving the nation’s democratic fabric. She urged the court to consider the potential risks involved and likened its role to the historic decision taken by the Allahabad High Court in 1975, which convicted then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi of electoral malpractices.
Regarding the Article 370 petitions, Mehbooba Mufti emphasized that the Supreme Court faces a critical choice between upholding the Constitution and succumbing to the agenda of the BJP. She emphasized that there are only two sides: those who stand with the Constitution of India and the guarantees provided to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and those who oppose India. She clarified that her concerns pertain to the country’s well-being, not just any political opposition.
Finally, Mehbooba Mufti accused the BJP of attempting to replicate the situation in Manipur throughout the entire country, implying a pattern of undermining democratic principles and constitutional rights.
