MP: Former CM Shivraj campaigns in support of BJP candidate in Delhi; said this about PoK, Articles 370 and 35A

New Delhi: During a public meeting in support of BJP candidate Yogendra Chandolia from the North-West Delhi seat, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan sharply criticized the opposition Congress party and former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. He accused them of making a historic mistake by introducing Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Chouhan also slammed Nehru for prematurely calling off the war, suggesting it was a significant error.

In his pointed remarks, Chouhan stated, "It was Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and the Congress' decision to introduce Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, despite Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's opposition. Additionally, the former PM made a historic blunder by declaring a ceasefire when our troops were fighting against Pakistan. Had he not stopped the war three days early, the entire Kashmir region would be ours, and we would only need to reclaim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)." He praised Prime Minister Modi and the BJP government for abrogating Article 370.

'We will definitely reclaim PoK'

Chouhan asserted, "The lapses of introducing Articles 370 and 35A by the Congress and former PM Nehru have been rectified by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP government. Now, only PoK remains, and we will definitely reclaim it." Article 370 had granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, allowing it to have its own constitution and autonomy while restricting Parliament's legislative powers over the state.

Article 35A, which was added to the Constitution in 1954 through an order issued by President Rajendra Prasad under Article 370, empowered Jammu and Kashmir to define permanent residents and grant them special rights and privileges, including the ability to purchase land, receive benefits in healthcare and education, and seek state government jobs.

Earlier on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Congress party and the Gandhi family for amending the Constitution during their tenure, stating that four generations of the Congress family had repeatedly disrespected the Indian Constitution. He specifically mentioned former Prime Ministers Jawahar Lal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing them of manipulating the Constitution for their political goals.