Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G Kishan Reddy, criticized the Congress party for calling the abrogation of Article 370 a “black day.” This article was removed to promote the development of Jammu and Kashmir and to ensure the freedom of its people.
Reddy expressed disappointment that the Congress party views the abrogation as negative while the rest of the country sees it as a positive step. He blamed the Congress for the unrest and lack of development in Kashmir before 2019.
Reddy also accused the Congress of disrespecting the Supreme Court by opposing its decision on Article 370. He argued that the removal of the article allowed for better local governance, funding for Panchayats, and improvements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
He questioned the Congress’s stance by highlighting the benefits given to marginalized communities, such as West Pakistani refugees, Valmikis, Gorkhas, and Safari Karmachars, through domicile certificates.
Reddy mentioned that Jammu and Kashmir received Rs 58,477 crore from the Prime Minister’s development package, leading to the completion of 53 key projects. He wondered how these achievements could be considered a “black day.”
Since the abrogation of Article 370, the tourism sector in Kashmir has seen significant growth. This has helped many Muslim families who depend on tourism for their livelihood. Additionally, the government’s efforts have created 16,650 new job opportunities for the youth through education and skill development.
Reddy emphasized the radical changes in development across all sectors in Jammu and Kashmir. He noted that the state’s people are celebrating the abrogation of Article 370 as a historic day and a festival. He concluded that the Congress party’s opposition to this development is against the people’s wishes and cannot be justified.
