'Article 370 Won't Be Restored': Smriti Irani Slams INDIA Bloc Over Ruckus In J&K Assembly

Smriti Irani asserted that Article 370, which was abrogated in 2019, would not be restored.

Former Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Smriti Irani on Thursday slammed the Opposition's INDIA bloc over demands of holding talks with the Centre for the restoration of the special status of the erstwhile state and made it clear that Article 370, which was abrogated in 2019, would not be restored.

Irani's statement came as the Jammu and Kashmir assembly continued to face disruption on Thursday after Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) MLA and brother of Engineer Rashid, Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh, displayed a banner on Article 370 in the House. On Wednesday, the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly passed a resolution for the restoration of Article 370, asking the Centre to hold talks with elected representatives on the issue. 

Addressing a press conference, former Amethi MP alleged that INDIA bloc leaders want special status for themselves, so they can once again "loot the treasury of Jammu and Kashmir."

"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," she said.

Posing a question to India bloc leaders, Irani said she wants to ask all Congress and National Congress members if they will stand in the way of the rights granted to the tribal community in Jammu and Kashmir after the removal of Article 370.

"Yesterday's resolution shows Congress and the INDIA Alliance leaders' tactical support for extremism and terrorism...As for the issue of restoration of Article 370, I am not sure what statement Omar Abdullah has made. But if he had the courage, I challenge him to go to Jharkhand and Maharashtra and say this from any platform...The leaders of the INDI Alliance are not working for the public, but for their own self-interest. They want special status for themselves, so they can once again loot the treasury of Jammu and Kashmir," she said.

"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," Irani added.