‘Even if I’m CM of J&K, I can’t bring it back’
Dalits, Valmikis got reservation for first time in UT
JAMMU, Apr 30: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today challenged the Opposition parties including the Congress to bring back Article 370 which was abrogated in August 2019 in Jammu and Kashmir saying even if he is the Chief Minister of J&K he can’t do it.
He again took the Congress to task for not implementing Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Constitution fully in Jammu and Kashmir for 70 years which was done by the BJP Government after abrogation of Article 370.
In an interview to TV 18 News Network tonight, Modi challenged the Opposition leaders including the Congress, who declared that they will bring back Article 370, to do so.
“Whoever understands India’s Constitution, federal stricture and what is in jurisdiction, will not say such things. Bringing back Article 370 is not in the Opposition’s jurisdiction. Even if I’m Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, I can’t do it,” the Prime Minister said.
He dared the Congress to hold a press conference and declare that the party will restore Article 370.
“The Centre and State Governments will do what is in their ambit. But fooling the people is a trend nowadays – to keep them in the dark. That’s why they keep saying anything at all,” Modi said.
Asserting that the Congress talks ‘big’ about the Constitution and Babasaheb Ambedkar, the Prime Minister said Babasaheb’s Constitution was not applicable for the entire nation. For 70 years, the Indian Constitution was not applicable in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Dalits and Valmikis got reservations for the first time in Jammu and Kashmir after Article 370 abrogation,” he said.
Meanwhile, addressing a rally at Bagalkote in Karnataka, the Prime Minister said he doesn’t believe in attacking from the back and fights openly face to face.
He said he did not hide information about the Balakot air strikes (conducted deep inside Pakistan after Pulwama terror attack in February 2019 in which nearly 40 CRPF bravehearts sacrificed their lives), and disclosed information about it and the destruction caused to the enemies, after the strikes.
“I had asked the forces to call the media and inform them, but I said before that I will inform Pakistan through telephone about airstrikes at night and destruction caused, but Pakistan people did not come on phone. So I asked forces to wait, and after informing them, we later disclosed to the world about airstrikes that happened during the night,” the Prime Minister said.
He added that Modi doesn’t hide things nor attacks from hiding, and does things openly.
Warning those who try to kill innocent people of the country, Modi said, “this is Naya Bharat (New India), Ghar me ghuskar ke maarega (kills inside one’s (enemy) territory).”
Modi accused the Congress of planning religion-based reservation in the country for the sake of vote bank politics, but asserted that he will not let it happen.
He said this Congress proposal is to appease minorities as the SC/ST and OBC community is now with the BJP.
“In Karnataka, Congress has started a campaign to change the Constitution and to snatch away the rights of SC/ST and OBCs. Our Constitution does not accept religion-based reservation. But the Karnataka Government has given part of OBC reservation to Muslims,” Modi said.
He said, “they (Congress) will not settle with this. They had earlier too in their manifesto said about coming out with a law to provide religion-based reservation. There is a similar signal in their manifesto this time.”
“I want to make my Dalit, SC/ST and OBC brothers and sisters aware about Congress’ intentions. These people on the basis of religion, to keep their vote bank safe, are planning to loot your right which was given by Babasaheb Ambedkar and the Constitution,” he added.
Noting that most of SC, ST and OBC MPs in the Parliament are from BJP, Modi said, “So they feel that as SC, ST and OBC are with BJP. To gain the trust of minorities, they want to loot from SC, ST and OBC and give it to minorities. Will you let this happen?”
“I want to guarantee today to my Dalit, Adivasi and OBC brothers and sisters. I will not let such intentions of Congress be successful. To protect your rights, your reservation, Modi will go to any extent. I’m assuring you this,” he added.
Citing a habit among people to forward certain information that comes on various platforms without verifying, Modi alleged that, “those who have lost elections or have lost (while being in) the fray are using technology to make fake videos. Misusing artificial intelligence they put out wrong things in my voice in social media — this is creating a big threat.”
Appealing to people to inform police or the BJP about such fake videos and legal action will follow, the PM said the law of this country will not allow people to play such games with anyone.
Nadeem Nadu (ندیم مختار) 