Chandigarh, August 5: Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh slammed the Narendra Modi government over the abrogation of article 370 which gives a special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The Punjab CM said that there should have been a discussion in Parliament before abolishing Articles 370 and 35A. Captain Singh said, “You can bring it to Parliament, you can have a discussion, if 2/3rd majority is available in both Houses then you change the Constitution, you can do away with 35A, 370.” Article 370 Scrapped in Jammu and Kashmir: Rift in Congress Over Party's Stand, no Word From Rahul Gandhi.

The Punjab CM further added the decision was taken without consulting the Kashmiri people and other political parties. He said, “This is against the very essence of the Constitution.” Article 370 Revocation: 8,000 More Troops Sent to Jammu and Kashmir, Army and Air Force on High Alert.

Captain Amarinder Singh's Statement:

However, apart from political parties which are part of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) some opposition parties including AAP, TRS and BSP also backed the move. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) alliance partner Janata Dal-United opposed the Centre’s decision. Article 370 Revoked, Jammu and Kashmir Bifurcated Into Two Union Territories: PM Narendra Modi Likely to Address Nation on August 7.

Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah made an announcement in the Rajya Sabha to abolish article 35A by Presidential order. Shah also proposes a resolution to abrogate Article 370. Statehood status of Jammu and Kashmir has also been taken away and the state was divided into two union territories – Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

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