Surat: Gujarat BJP Chief and Union Minister CR Patil launched an attack on the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (NC) and the Congress party today after the newly formed J&K Assembly on Wednesday passed a resolution calling for the restoration of Article 370 amid protests by BJP members. During a press conference, Patil questioned the Congress party’s support for the NC, stating that their first action after being elected was “to challenge a decision made by Parliament in accordance with the Constitution.”

Addressing the media in the city, Patil said, “This press conference has been called in response to the recent events in the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly. The Congress has a history of bending and breaking the Constitution they claim to defend. The National Conference Chief Minister and Minister, who took an oath based on the Constitution for the first time, in their first act attempted to reverse a decision taken lawfully by Parliament on the basis of the Constitution.”

Patil further criticized the Congress, stating, “Congress leaders, who roan around with the copy of the Constitution in their hand, are supporting the NC in its efforts to undermine the repealing of Articles 370 and 35A decisions that were passed by a significant majority in Parliament after a thorough debate. After scrapping Article 370, the people of Kashmir now believe they have gained true independence. Before the repeal, Kashmiri women who married outside the state lost their inheritance rights, and Dalits and Adivasis in J&K lacked reservation benefits. With Article 370 dissolved, these rights have been restored for Dalits, Adivasis, women, and minorities, giving them equality with other citizens across the country.”

“Since the removal of Article 370, terrorism has decreased by around 70%, allowing people to live without fear and actively participate in the nation’s development journey,” Patil added. “Instead of focusing on the state’s progress, this newly elected government’s first action is to oppose a decision made by Parliament, with the Congress in support. I question the Congress leaders: Where is your loyalty to the Constitution? Why are you against the rights gained by Adivasis, Dalits, and Muslim daughters? They owe an explanation to the people, or the people will give them one; I am confident of that.”

Patil concluded, “I want to make it clear: we now see the true face of the Congress and the National Conference. Regardless of their efforts, Article 370, which has been legally scrapped and upheld by the Supreme Court, will not be restored.” DeshGujarat