“Nothing Has Changed in Kashmir”: Sanjay Raut Slams Centre on Article 370 Anniversary
Six Years On, Raut Questions Article 370 Gains: “No Land, No Jobs, No Peace”
MUMBAI, AUGUST 5: Marking the sixth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut voiced strong criticism of the Centre’s handling of Jammu and Kashmir post-revocation. Speaking to reporters in Delhi on Tuesday, Raut asserted that “nothing has changed” on the ground in J&K since August 5, 2019, and stressed the urgent need to restore full statehood to the region.
Raut argued that the promises made at the time of the constitutional change, including enhanced development, better governance, and reduced militancy, have not materialized in real terms, especially for the common people of Jammu and Kashmir. “Even today, citizens from other parts of India cannot freely purchase land in the Union Territory. Local youth are still battling unemployment, and incidents of terrorism and violence have not ceased. What has really changed?” he asked pointedly.
The senior opposition leader also expressed concern over what he described as the erosion of democratic authority in the region. “There was an elected government in place. Today, J&K functions as a Union Territory with limited democratic rights. Even though the Indian Constitution is said to apply fully in J&K, the reality is that constitutional norms are not followed in spirit. Decisions are taken elsewhere, and local governance has no meaningful autonomy,” Raut said.
Calling the continuation of Union Territory status a “democratic distortion,” Raut emphasized that the people of J&K deserve to be governed with the same constitutional dignity as other Indian states. He demanded that the Centre restore full statehood, enabling the people of the region to regain control over their political and administrative future.
The remarks come amid growing demands from several political quarters for the restoration of statehood and the conduct of assembly elections in J&K. While the Centre has indicated its intention to do so “at an appropriate time,” critics argue that the delay in restoring democratic processes has only deepened alienation and weakened public trust.
