“Even if Indira Gandhi were to return from heaven, Article 370 won’t be restored.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently made an equally potent demand during a Madhya Pradesh rally that Article 370, which provides special status to Jammu and Kashmir, will never be restored.
He emphasized that even if the late Indira Gandhi, former Prime Minister of India, were to come again “from heaven,” she would not be able to reverse the decision to abolish Article 370.
Shah’s comments underline that the government is willing to go all out on this issue, thus highlighting the BJP’s acceptable commitment to retain all constitutional changes made in 2019.
Article 370 in the Controversy
Since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, Jammu and Kashmir have lost their separate status of special autonomy. This move triggered vehement political and social debates, and opposition parties, namely the Congress, believed it was unconstitutional.
From its inception to this date, the BJP has defended its abrogation, arguing that the move is required for the complete integration of the region into India and uniform laws for all states. The Supreme Court’s majority opinion upheld the government’s decision about it in August 2023, while some petitions in this respect were rejected.
Amit Shah’s Controversial Statements
In the speech, Shah directed his artillery against the Congress party, claiming they were responsible for misleading the people through their generation of conditions after removing Article 370.
People, specifically Congress leaders, were initially ignorant of the power of abrogation. According to the BJP, peace and stability have been brought about in the region. The Home Minister argued that dismantling special status should influence economic development and strengthen security in Jammu and Kashmir.
Development of Jammu and Kashmir
Since the Indian government abolished Article 370, developmental projects have gained momentum in Jammu and Kashmir. As per Shah, investment, infrastructure, and tourism have improved recently.
Educational and medical institutions have been initiated in the Union Territory to enhance the quality of life. Reports suggest that the incidence of terrorism has shrunk significantly due to what the BJP refers to as stringent policies and security measures.
Political Implications Ahead of Elections
Amit Shah’s statements were made when the political climate was in anticipation of the forthcoming state and general elections. The BJP must reinforce its support base by steadfastly standing on national issues, including Article 370.
Shah’s invocation of Indira Gandhi, a great icon in Indian politics, seems to be a subtle jibe intended to counter Congress’s historical doctrine and leadership.
The BJP’s position on Article 370 continues to feature prominently in the party’s campaign narrative, especially among the heartland with a significant nationalist voter base.
Through this narrative of national unity intertwined with the theme of good governance, the party is seeking to build a compelling national electoral coalition.
Amit Shah’s strident statement on restoring Article 370, even entirely hypothetically, during Indira Gandhi’s rein, is a commitment to the BJP’s October 2019 decision. As the country braces for the elections to come, this statement is expected to restrain opinions polarizing opinions further and reinforce the BJP’s position on national integration and security.
