BJP National General Secretary Calls NC’s Resolution on Article 370 “Unconstitutional”

Srinagar, November 8, 2024 — BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh strongly criticized the National Conference’s (NC) proposed resolution on Articles 370 and 35A in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, calling it “illegal, unconstitutional, and against democratic traditions.” Chugh stated that Articles 370 and 35A, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, were abrogated by India’s Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on August 5, 2019, with the Supreme Court upholding the decision.

Chugh questioned Congress’s stance on the resolution, urging them to clarify whether they support NC’s attempt to reinstate Articles 370 and 35A. “The country wants to know: Is Congress with NC on their proposal to bring back Articles 370 and 35A or against them?” he asked, highlighting the need for transparency on the issue from all political parties.

He reiterated BJP’s commitment to preserving democracy and unity in Jammu and Kashmir, pledging that BJP MLAs in the Assembly would not allow anti-national elements to undermine the democratic process. “Bharatiya Janata Party will not let democracy be killed in Jammu and Kashmir. All BJP MLAs in the Assembly are standing as warriors of the country against anti-national forces. We will not back down,” Chugh declared.

The remarks from Chugh follow heated scenes in the Assembly, where Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) MLAs and others demanded a separate resolution on Article 370, leading to disruptions and an eventual adjournment of the House. The issue continues to expose deep political divides in the region over Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional status.