Shah’s LS Speech on J&K ft. Nehru, Article 356, Tukde Tukde Gang

In what was Shah’s first speech in the Lok Sabha, he spoke on a range of issues related to Jammu and Kashmir.

Home Minister Amit Shah

(Photo: Arnica Kala /The Quint)

As the Lok Sabha on Friday, 28 June, gave its nod to extend President's Rule in Jammu and Kashmir for another six months beginning 3 July, Home Minister Amit Shah after tabling the bill for the extension, gave an hour-long speech.

In what was Shah’s first speech in the Lok Sabha, he spoke on a range of issues related to the state - President’s rule, state elections, Article 370, Jawaharlal Nehru, Tukde Tukde gang...et al.

‘Nehru Responsible for PoK’

Hitting out at the Congress and former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Shah said that he was the reason that one-third of Jammu and Kashmir is not with India.

“Who called for ceasefire back then? It was Jawaharlal Nehru who did it and gave that portion(PoK) to Pakistan. You say we don’t take people into confidence, but Nehru ji did it without taking the then Home Minister into confidence,” Shah said, even as the House witnessed disruptions over Shah naming Nehru.

He also attacked the Congress over its allegations that the BJP is undermining democracy in the state by implementing President’s Rule.

“They are saying we are trampling democracy in J&K. Till now, Article 356 has been imposed 132 times, out of which 93 times Congress has done it. Will these people teach us democracy?” he said adding that his party has never used Article 356 for political purposes to dismiss state governments, unlike Congress.

‘We are Not Against Common People of J&K’

The Home Minister said that the government is working towards doing away with the ‘atmosphere of fear’ in the state by bringing forth development.

“Some say there is an atmosphere of fear there. Those who are against India should have fear in their hearts. We are not part of tukde tukde gang. We are not against common people of Jammu and Kashmir. We have started process of providing them jobs and all government schemes,” he said.

“There was a time when there was no sign of India in Kashmir. State Bank of India signboard was seen with a cloth covering 'India' word. Murli Manohar Joshi and Narendra Modi risked their lives and unfurled tricolour at Lal Chowk. We were not in power then,” he also said.

In a significant reference to Article 370, he said ‘it is temporary in nature, not permanent’.

‘Modi Govt Has Zero Tolerance Policy Towards Terrorism’

Shah also asserted that the Modi government has 'zero tolerance' policy towards terrorism and its ideology is to ensure protection of borders and make the country free of terrorism.

Replying to a statutory resolution seeking Lok Sabha’s nod to extend President’s Rule in Jammu and Kashmir, he said the government has spent Rs 2,307 crore to upgrade security apparatus in the state.

In yet another salvo aimed at the Congress he said, “Why wasn't Jamaat-e-Islami banned till date? Who did you want to please? It was BJP govt that banned Jamaat-e-Islami. Who put the ban on JKLF? It was BJP who did it.”

“People speak against India in Jammu and Kashmir to get security cover. In fact, people who speak for India, face the real threat,” Shah further said.

‘Free and Fair Elections Will be Held’

Even as the Lok Sabha voted in favour of extending the President’s rule, Shah asserted that the Assembly elections in the state will be held in a democratic, free and fair manner as soon as the Election Commission announces the dates.