Article 370 Row: Rajnath Singh Faces Off With Farooq Abdullah, Says 'No Option But to Abolish Article 370 & 35A'

Suchetgarh (Jammu), April 8: Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh took on National Conference Farooq Abdullah on Monday, after the latter lambasted the BJP, challenging them to try to implement their manifestos in relation with Kashmir. Abdullah made it clear that under no possibility BJP would be able to implement their plan on Article 370.

Addressing a political rally ahead of teh first phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2019, Rajnath Singh said, "People who lead J&K as CM for a really long time, they say, there should be a separate PM for the state. If someone talks of a separate PM for J&K, then we'll have no option but to abolish Article 370 & 35A." Farooq Abdullah Lambastes BJP For Promising to Abolish Article 370 in Lok Sabha Elections 2019 Manifesto; Threatens Mass Rebellion. 

Earlier in the day, Abdullah had stated it clearly that the BJp would have to face consequences if they try to abrogate forcefully Article 370 - giving special provisions to Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing a rally in Srinagar, he had said, "Does BJP want to abolish Article 370? Do they think that they will bring people (Kashmiri Pandits) from outside and settle them here? Do they think we will not respond and sleep? We will fight against it Insha Allah."

Adding more, Abdullah said, "How will you abolish it? Where will Allah stay? I swear by Allah's name that even want we get freedom from this. Let them do it. We will see. I will also see who will stand to hold their flag? I will see, and you will see. Therefore, don't do such things which break our hearts."

Echoing similar opinion, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti stated, "Already J&K ek barood ki dher par baitha hua hai. If this happens then not only Kashmir but the country and the region will burn. So I appeal to BJP that please stop playing with fire."

BJP in their manifesto had promised to abolish Article 370 and Article 35A. It also pledged to make all efforts to ensure the safe return of Kashmiri Pandits. Among other things, BJP in its manifesto stated continue to adopt the policy of 'Zero Tolerance' against terrorism and extremism and promised to give 'free hand' to security force. The party also said to speed up the purchases of outstanding defence-related equipment and weapons.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 08, 2019 08:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).