Article370 – Seventh Anniversary of Article 370 Decision Sparks Political Divide Across Jammu and Kashmir
Article370 – As India observed the seventh anniversary of the repeal of Article 370 on Wednesday, political reactions once again reflected the contrasting positions held by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and regional parties in Jammu and Kashmir. While BJP leaders described the constitutional decision as a milestone for national integration and development, opposition leaders renewed their demand for the restoration of the region’s former special status and full statehood.
BJP Leaders Highlight Development and Integration
Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said the removal of Articles 370 and 35A on August 5, 2019, paved the way for faster economic growth and infrastructure expansion in Jammu and Kashmir. According to him, the constitutional provisions had created barriers to equal opportunities and delayed the region’s progress for decades.
Meghwal stated that the government had focused on both preserving cultural heritage and expanding development projects after the constitutional changes. He said employment opportunities had increased, infrastructure had improved significantly, and several public welfare initiatives had reached residents. He also claimed that while many people welcomed these developments, some political parties continued to oppose the move because of their political interests.
Ministers Call Anniversary a Historic Milestone
Union Minister Giriraj Singh described August 5 as one of the most significant dates in independent India’s constitutional history. Speaking outside Parliament, he said the repeal of Article 370 fulfilled the long-standing vision of complete national integration.
During his remarks, Singh also made strong allegations against Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti, accusing her of supporting extremist elements during her political career. Referring to the constitutional change, he said the decision strengthened the idea of one nation operating under a single Constitution, national flag and Prime Minister, while linking it to the aspirations associated with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s vision of a united India.
BJP Member of Parliament Damodar Aggarwal also welcomed the anniversary, saying the constitutional change helped eliminate the political separation that had existed despite Jammu and Kashmir being an integral part of the country. He described the repeal as a major achievement for national unity.
Regional Parties Continue Restoration Campaign
In Srinagar, leaders and workers of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), led by Cabinet Minister Sakina Itoo, organised a protest demanding the restoration of Article 370 and Jammu and Kashmir’s previous constitutional status. Police stopped the demonstrators from leaving the party office premises, citing security and law-and-order concerns.
At the same time, National Conference Members of Parliament staged a demonstration inside the Parliament complex, reiterating their demand for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.
Rajya Sabha MP Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan of the JKNC described August 5 as a “black day” for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said the constitutional changes implemented seven years ago resulted in the loss of the region’s statehood and altered its political identity.
Article 370 Continues to Shape Political Debate
On August 5, 2019, the Central government revoked Article 370 through a Presidential Order, ending Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status. The decision also led to the reorganisation of the former state into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Since then, the BJP has observed the anniversary as a symbol of national integration, while regional parties including the National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party have continued to oppose the move and seek restoration of the earlier constitutional arrangement.
A day before the anniversary, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti led a candlelight march in Srinagar to mark the occasion. Party leaders alleged that her daughter, Iltija Mufti, was detained during the programme.
Although Assembly elections were conducted in Jammu and Kashmir in September 2024, the Central government has not announced a timeline for restoring statehood. After taking office, the Omar Abdullah-led administration approved a Cabinet resolution requesting the return of statehood, followed by a resolution in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly seeking the restoration of the region’s previous constitutional status.