Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, Dec 2: Former Union Minister and Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Prof Saif-ud-Din Soz (MP) today said that Article 370 is irrevocable and it acts like a bridge between the J&K State and the Union of India.
“Article 370 is irrevocable and it can not be changed. The Indian Parliament has already legislated it granting special status to the State of Jammu and Kashmir. This article acts like a bridge between the Jammu and Kashmir State and Union of India,” Prof Soz said while talking to media-persons at party headquarters here today.
Commenting on the remarks of BJP top leader and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi during a large rally at MA Stadium here on Sunday, the PCC leader said Modi does not know about the history and Constitution of J&K. He is ill informed about the State and the developments here. When asked what was problem to Congress party in holding a debate on the Special status to the J&K State (Article 370), Prof Soz said as an individual, he had no problem as such. He challenged Modi and offered him to debate openly on the issue.
Replying to another question, the PCC president said BJP leaders including Mr Modi were harping on abrogation of Article 370. He said NDA led by top BJP leader Atal Behari Vajpayee was in power for several years. Why the BJP remained silent over the issue. It should have gone for abrogation of this Article. He said basically the Article granting special status to J&K can not be changed. Constitutionally, J&K is the integral part of India.
Prof Soz further claimed that top BJP leader had no knowledge about the history of the State and the Constitution. He has misquoted Pt Nehru on the Article 370. Pt Nehru has never said that Article 370 will dilute itself with the passage of time and there was no need to touch this subject. He had rather said that Article 370 can not be changed without the consent of the people of Jammu and Kashmir State. He advised Modi to study history and Constitution of India and the J&K State.
Referring to the projection of Modi as next PM by the party. The PCC chief said that BJP has committed a great blunder in projecting Modi as next Prime Ministerial candidate. He said the Modi can never be a secular and people of this country want only secular party rule. They will reject Modi in the coming elections.
When asked about the State Subject rights of girls married out of the State, Prof Soz said they have the right and Modi had been ill-informed over it. When asked about the right of their children or in case of only daughter of their J&K resident parents married outside, Prof Soz said he was not sure and will have to study the State Subject Law and update himself after discussing it with the legal people.
Replying to a question regarding double speak of Congress over 73rd and 74th Amendment, Prof Soz said Congress was committed for it. It continue to exert pressure for it. He claimed that his alliance partner NC has also agreed to their proposal and it is likely to get nod in the next Cabinet meeting.
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