New Delhi: From the ramparts of Red Fort, today, the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, said that the spirit of “One Nation, One Constitution” has become a reality after the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
While slamming Congress and other opposition parties for making hue and cry over the issue, Mod further asked them if the issue was so “life-changing” then why previous governments did not make the special status to the troubled state a “permanent arrangement”?
Modi highlighted the government’s key decisions after coming into power for the second term. Within 10 weeks of returning to power the government passed bills on abrogation of special status to Jammu and Kashmir, ban on the practice of Triple Talaq and anti-terror laws to fulfill the aspirations of people.
“During the difficult times of independence, people like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel took very tough and valiant decisions. But because of Article 370 there emerged problems. Repeal of Article 370 and Article 35A was a step towards fulfilling Sardar Patel’s dream of a strong and united India. The spirit of One Nation, One Constitution has become a reality and India is proud of that,” he said.
“Article 370 has become history after both Houses of Parliament supported it with two-third of the members supported this step,”added Modi.
Modi said that “the old arrangement” in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh encouraged corruption, nepotism and there was injustice when it came to rights of women, children, Dalits, tribal communities.
“My Dalit and tribal brothers should get their rights . In all parts of India, they do get the necessary benefits. Sanitation workers in Jammu and Kashmir never got their rights. Now they would be able to avail all the facilities,” he said.
The boldness and swiftness of the present leadership raises hope to the more than billion strong Indian citizens that a ‘New India’ is on the rise.
