BJP Fumes Over Assembly Ruckus in Jammu and Kashmir, Smriti Irani Fires Article 370 Warning to INDIA Bloc

In a strong response to the ongoing turmoil in theammu and Kashmir assembly, Smriti Irani, a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP emphatically stated that Article 370, which was revoked in 2019, will not be reinstated. This declaration came amidst a backdrop of heightened tensions following an incident where Khursh Ahmad Sheikh, an MLA from the Awami Ithad Party and brother to Engineer Rashid, showcased a banner related to Article 370 within the assembly premises. The BJP's stance firmly opposes any moves to restore the region's former special status, setting the stage for a clash with the Opposition's INDIA bloc.

During a press conference, Irani, who has held the position of Union minister in the past, addressed the controversy head-on. She communicated a clear message to both Indian citizens and leaders of the INDIA Alliance, expressing that efforts by the alliance to disconnect Jammu and Kashmir from India would fail. Irani's words, "Through the BJP workers, I want to assure citizens of India and tell leaders of INDI Alliance that Article 370 will not be restored (in Jammu & Kashmir) and their (INDI alliance) attempt to separate Jammu and Kashmir from India will not be successful," underscored her party's commitment to maintaining the union's integrity.

The assembly witnessed chaos as BJP legislators expressed their dissent by tearing up copies of a resolution passed on Wednesday. This document called for dialogue with the Government of India to reconsider the decision of scrapping the region's special status. Surinder Choudhary, the Deputy Chief Minister of J&K and a leader of the National Conference, was behind the motion. The BJP's reaction to the resolution, which included storming the well of the House and vocally opposing the speaker, highlighted the deep divisions over the issue.

Irani criticized the INDI Alliance and Congress for their stance on the resolution, questioning their commitment to the rights of tribal communities in Jammu and Kashmir post the abrogation of Article 370. She accused them of supporting extremism and terrorism through their actions. Furthermore, Irani condemned the display of disrespect towards the Indian Constitution, emphasizing the unacceptable nature of such acts. She mentioned, "Yesterday, the INDI Alliance attempted to strangle the Indian Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir. The scenes from Jammu and Kashmir, where the Constitution of India was torn apart, show an audacious disregard for the rights of tribal communities, Dalits, and women. The Congress-led Indian Alliance's actions will not be tolerated by a vigilant India."

Despite their collaboration in the elections with the National Conference, the Congress Party does not hold a position in the Jammu and Kashmir government. The resolution's controversy persisted into Thursday, with three BJP MLAs being escorted out of the assembly by order of Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather. This move further ignited the ongoing protests by BJP members against the resolution.