Farooq Abdullah Criticizes Article 370 Abrogation Ahead of J-K Elections
Farooq Abdullah, the National Conference (NC) Chief and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, has voiced strong criticism against the government’s decision to abrogate Article 370. He stated that this move has resulted in job losses for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, with jobs being given to individuals from other states.
Speaking in Rajouri district, Abdullah highlighted the historical significance of Article 370, referencing Maharaja Hari Singh’s rule from 1927, which aimed to protect local lands and jobs. He promised that if elected, the National Conference would restore Article 370 and provide employment to 1 lakh youth.
The National Conference’s election manifesto, launched by Vice President Omar Abdullah, includes promises to restore Article 370, 35-A, and statehood, redraw the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019, and rehabilitate Kashmiri Pandits.
In response to BJP’s accusations, Abdullah questioned the timing of granting ST status to Pahadis and criticized the BJP for not addressing issues like terrorism and crimes against women.
The Congress and the National Conference are contesting the elections in alliance, while other parties like the PDP, BJP, and People’s Conference are also in the fray for 90 Assembly seats. This is the first election in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370. Voting for the second and third phases will be held on September 25 and October 1, respectively, with results to be announced on October 8.
Doubts Revealed
Farooq Abdullah -: Farooq Abdullah is a politician in India. He was the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, which means he was the head of the government there.
Article 370 -: Article 370 was a special law in India that gave Jammu and Kashmir its own constitution and autonomy, meaning it had more control over its own affairs than other states.
Abrogation -: Abrogation means to officially end or cancel something. In this case, it means the government ended the special status given by Article 370.
National Conference -: The National Conference is a political party in Jammu and Kashmir. Political parties are groups of people who work together to win elections and run the government.
Chief Minister -: A Chief Minister is the head of the government in an Indian state, similar to a principal in a school but for the whole state.
35-A -: Article 35-A was a part of the Indian Constitution that allowed the Jammu and Kashmir state to define its own permanent residents and give them special rights and privileges.
Statehood -: Statehood means being recognized as a state with its own government. Jammu and Kashmir used to be a state but is now a Union Territory, which means it is directly controlled by the central government.
Manifesto -: A manifesto is a public declaration of policies and goals, usually by a political party before an election. It tells people what the party plans to do if they win.
Elections -: Elections are events where people vote to choose their leaders. In this case, people in Jammu and Kashmir will vote to choose their government.