Democratic Progressive Azad Party Chief and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Ghulam Nabi Azad, reaffirmed his position as the sole leader who vocally opposed the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A in Parliament. Speaking to reporters during a roadshow in Ganderbal, which will go to polls on September 25, Azad claimed that his opposition to the move prompted Home Minister Amit Shah to promise the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Azad, in his remarks, emphasized that the restoration of Article 370, statehood, and the Legislative Council can only be achieved through Parliament, regardless of which political party is in power. He asserted, “Whether it is Congress, BJP, or any other party in power, Parliament holds the authority to restore these provisions.”
Reflecting on his parliamentary speeches, Azad said, “I was the only leader to give six speeches in Parliament against the abrogation of Article 370. No other leader from Jammu and Kashmir, whether from the Rajya Sabha or the Lok Sabha, spoke on the issue. It was only after my speeches that the Home Minister assured the restoration of statehood.”
Azad also clarified a common misconception regarding Article 35A, stating that it was not a post-independence law but was instituted by Maharaja Hari Singh at the request of Jammu Hindus and Kashmiri Pandits. This historical fact, according to Azad, was unknown to many before he spoke about it in Parliament.
When asked about Home Minister Amit Shah’s tough stance on Kashmir and regional parties, Azad stated that political parties should be free to express their views and that both the state and central governments must act according to the Constitution. He argued that meaningful dialogue requires the devolution of power to state leaders, ensuring their voices are heard in the political process.
In addition, Azad underscored the importance of secularism in politics, stating, “For me, all religions in India are the same, and there should be no discrimination.” He called for all parties to use clean and secular language, stressing that political competition should not turn adversarial.
Azad also took a stand against political autocracy, asserting, “I have made it clear that neither my son nor my daughter will become Chief Ministers. I am fighting against autocratic rule, whether it is in Delhi or Jammu and Kashmir.”
He further noted that the state subject law, which had been established by Maharaja Hari Singh, was the identity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. This law, he said, was later enshrined in both the Indian and state constitutions.
Azad’s remarks come at a crucial time, as the Ganderbal constituency prepares for the second phase of polling, with statehood and Article 370 remaining significant issues in the political discourse of Jammu and Kashmir.
