G Kishan Reddy Criticizes Congress-NC Alliance Over Article 370 Stance

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy condemned the Congress-National Conference's intent to restore Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, likening it to implementing the 'Jinnah Constitution'. Union Home Minister Amit Shah echoed strong opposition to Article 370 reinstatement, emphasizing no talks with Pakistan until terrorism ends.

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy has criticized the Congress-National Conference (NC) alliance in Jammu and Kashmir, accusing them of seeking to implement the 'Jinnah Constitution' by restoring Article 370. According to Reddy, the NC's manifesto for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections includes a promise to reinstate Article 370 if they come to power, which he deems as an attempt to undermine the constitution established by Baba Saheb Ambedkar and implemented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi after 70 years. He made these comments in an interview with ANI on Sunday.

Although the Congress' manifesto remains silent on Article 370, its key ally NC has committed to restoring the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, which was revoked by the Modi government on August 5, 2019. Reddy also accused Congress of depriving the vulnerable sections of Jammu and Kashmir by failing to implement various provisions of the Indian Constitution. He alleged that the Congress has historically done injustice to Scheduled Caste people, women, and Gujjars, and described them as corrupt, terrorist-supporting parties, alleging that the Indian public will not allow the 'Jinnah Constitution' in the region.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated that the central government will not engage in talks with Pakistan until terrorism is eradicated. Addressing a rally in Nowshera ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, Shah emphasized that Article 370 would not be reinstated, despite demands from the opposition, including the NC and Congress. He further criticized Farooq Abdullah for promising to bring back Article 370, asserting that only the Indian tricolor would fly in Jammu and Kashmir. Shah noted the high voter turnout of 61.13 percent in the first phase of the elections, with subsequent voting rounds scheduled for September 25 and October 5, and vote counting on October 8.

(With inputs from agencies.)