NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi, making a strong defence of the nullification of Article 370 and citing the Supreme Court’s endorsement of his government’s move, said no power in the universe could restore the revoked provisions of the Constitution and said the legislation had heralded a new era of progress in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions, which were once known for terrorism and were now hubs of tourism.
“Post-370, J&K and Ladakh are transformed places, thronged by tourists instead of terrorists. Movies are being shot and screened, while stone-pelting has ceased. Kashmiri families have welcomed the change. As for those who are spreading confusion because of their political motives, I want to make it clear: no power in this universe can bring back Article 370,” the PM said in an interview with Hindi daily Dainik Jagran.
Recalling the recent SC verdict, the PM said the apex court had made it clear that there could not be two constitutions in the country.
“Abrogation of Article 370 was more important for the people of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh than any political agenda. A few family-dominated parties were controlling the region for a long time but people there want to join the mainstream of growth and ensure a safe future for their children,” he said.
To a question about BJP picking relatively new and little-known leaders as chief ministers in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, Modi said the leaders had lots of experience and hard work behind them.
Taking a jibe at those questioning BJP’s choices, he said it was the country’s misfortune that a big section of people who influenced society were bound to a trite and narrow mindset.
“This is not confined to only the political field. This nature troubles us in every field. If in any field, some name becomes big with some branding, then others do not get attention irrespective of their talent and hard work. A similar thing happens in politics,” he said.
Asked if he was concerned about fresh attempts being made to unite the INDIA bloc, PM said the thinking that the recent assembly polls in five states were bipolar between BJP and Congress was another ploy to hide their actual gameplan.
“They (opposition parties) keep doing new experiments. They adopted a similar strategy in assembly polls as they allied and fielded candidates with a purpose to divide BJP votes…,” he said.
“Post-370, J&K and Ladakh are transformed places, thronged by tourists instead of terrorists. Movies are being shot and screened, while stone-pelting has ceased. Kashmiri families have welcomed the change. As for those who are spreading confusion because of their political motives, I want to make it clear: no power in this universe can bring back Article 370,” the PM said in an interview with Hindi daily Dainik Jagran.
Recalling the recent SC verdict, the PM said the apex court had made it clear that there could not be two constitutions in the country.
“Abrogation of Article 370 was more important for the people of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh than any political agenda. A few family-dominated parties were controlling the region for a long time but people there want to join the mainstream of growth and ensure a safe future for their children,” he said.
To a question about BJP picking relatively new and little-known leaders as chief ministers in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, Modi said the leaders had lots of experience and hard work behind them.
Taking a jibe at those questioning BJP’s choices, he said it was the country’s misfortune that a big section of people who influenced society were bound to a trite and narrow mindset.
“This is not confined to only the political field. This nature troubles us in every field. If in any field, some name becomes big with some branding, then others do not get attention irrespective of their talent and hard work. A similar thing happens in politics,” he said.
Asked if he was concerned about fresh attempts being made to unite the INDIA bloc, PM said the thinking that the recent assembly polls in five states were bipolar between BJP and Congress was another ploy to hide their actual gameplan.
“They (opposition parties) keep doing new experiments. They adopted a similar strategy in assembly polls as they allied and fielded candidates with a purpose to divide BJP votes…,” he said.
Article 370 verdict: Sovereignty to bifurcation of Kashmir, key takeaways of Supreme Court judgement