Kashmir's Resolve: Restoration - Left, Right, and Centre Geopolitics

Amidst BJP MLAs tearing up copies of the proposal and creating a ruckus in the newly elected house, the J&K assembly on November 6, passed a resolution calling for the restoration of the special status of the erstwhile state that was controversially revoked by the Union government in August 2019 through the abrogation of Article 370.

The resolution, introduced by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary of the National Conference (NC), emphasised the importance of the special status and constitutional guarantees that protected the identity, culture, and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It also urged the Union government to initiate dialogue with elected representatives from the region to explore constitutional mechanisms for restoring these provisions.

The resolution was met with strong opposition from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which labelled it as illegal and unconstitutional, arguing that the matter had already been settled by Parliament and the Supreme Court. The BJP’s protests led to chaotic scenes in the Assembly, resulting in the removal of several of its members.

The resolution’s passage reflects the ongoing political tensions in J&K, where the BJP was soundly defeated in the recent assembly elections, indicating people’s rejection of its heavy-handed policies. The regional parties meanwhile, are grappling with the implications of the 2019 abrogation and the current political landscape, which includes calls for statehood and the restoration of special rights which sparks a broader debate about the future of region’s autonomy and its relationship with the centre.

Jargon

Article 370: A provision in the Indian Constitution that granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, allowing it to have its own constitution and laws, except in matters of defence, communications, and foreign affairs. It was abrogated by the Indian government on August 5, 2019.
Union Territory: A type of administrative division in India that is governed directly by the Central Government, unlike states which have their own governments. Jammu and Kashmir was reorganised into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, following the abrogation of Article 370.
National Conference (NC): A major political party in Jammu and Kashmir, historically advocating for the region’s autonomy and special status. The party has been vocal about restoring Article 370 and has recently passed a resolution in the assembly seeking its restoration.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): The ruling national political party in India, which abrogated Article 370 in 2019. The BJP opposes any attempts to restore the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, framing it as a matter of national integrity.
Resolution: A formal expression of the opinion or intention of an assembly or legislative body. In this context, it refers to the recent resolutions passed in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly regarding the restoration of Article 370.

Viewpoints 💭

‘Left’ Viewpoint

Ideological Differences

‘Right’ Viewpoint

The left views the abrogation of Article 370 as an unconstitutional and unilateral move that undermines the special status and statehood of Jammu and Kashmir.
Left-leaning parties argue that the restoration of Article 370 is essential for safeguarding the identity, culture, and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
They emphasise the need for dialogue with the central government to address the aspirations of the region’s people and restore constitutional guarantees.
The left criticises the BJP for using the abrogation as a political tool and for creating divisions between Kashmir and Jammu.
Left-leaning leaders highlight the need for unity among regional parties to effectively oppose the BJP’s actions and fulfil electoral promises.

The left perceives the abrogation of Article 370 as an unconstitutional act that stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its autonomy, while the right considers it a legitimate move to integrate the region with the rest of India.
Left-leaning parties argue for the restoration of Article 370 to protect the region’s identity and rights, contrasting with the right’s view that such privileges foster separatism and hinder national unity.
The left emphasises dialogue with the central government to address regional aspirations, whereas the right focuses on the abrogation’s role in reducing terrorism and promoting development.
While the left criticises the BJP for exploiting the abrogation politically, the right accuses the left of supporting separatist agendas and undermining constitutional decisions.
The left calls for unity among regional parties to oppose the BJP’s actions, while the right maintains that the abrogation is a settled issue upheld by the Parliament and Supreme Court.

The right views the abrogation of Article 370 as a necessary step for national integration and the removal of privileges perceived as fostering separatism.
They argue that the restoration of Article 370 is unconstitutional, as the abrogation was upheld by the Parliament and the Supreme Court.
The right emphasises the reduction in terrorism and increase in development in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation.
BJP leaders criticise the resolution for restoration as an attempt to divide the nation and undermine constitutional order.
The right accuses the Congress and its allies of aligning with separatist agendas and prioritising special status over national unity.

Prominent Voices 📣

From the ‘Left’

From the ‘Right’

Mehbooba Mufti (PDP Chief and Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir): Supported the resolution but criticised it as lacking conviction and being half-hearted. ¹ ²
Farooq Abdullah (Leader of JKNC): Called for unity among regional parties to challenge central government decisions. ³
Aga Ruhullah Mehdi (NC MP): Viewed the resolution as a critical step in reclaiming Jammu and Kashmir’s rights. ⁴
Altaf Kullo (NC legislator): Criticised the BJP for undermining democracy and stressed the demand for Article 370’s restoration. ⁵
Irfan Hafiz Lone (Congress MLA): Criticised the BJP for betraying Jammu and Kashmir’s people and vowed to uphold their rights. ⁶

Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh (Awami Ittehad Party Legislator): Stressed the importance of Articles 370 and 35A for J&K’s identity. ⁷
Ghulam Ahmad Mir (Congress leader): Reasserted Congress’s opposition to the 2019 abrogation, labelling it undemocratic. ⁸
Dr Sajad Shafi (NC leader): Aligned the resolution with public sentiment, supporting its passage. ⁹
Hilal Akbar Lone (NC member): Accused BJP of wasting Assembly time, reaffirming NC’s manifesto commitment. ⁶
M Y Tarigami (Senior CPI(M) leader): Described the resolution as historic and committed to restoring what was lost. ¹⁰ ¹¹

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Narendra Modi (Prime Minister of India): Criticised the Congress-NC alliance for conspiring against Kashmir with the resolution, asserting Article 370’s abrogation is irreversible. ¹² ¹³
Amit Shah (Union Home Minister): Asserted that Article 370 will not be restored, highlighting peaceful conditions post-abrogation. ¹⁴ ¹⁵
Tarun Chugh (BJP National General Secretary): Criticised the resolution as illegal, questioning Congress’s position. ¹⁶
Sunil Sharma (BJP Leader of Opposition): Opposed the resolution, declaring it unconstitutional and emphasising the legitimacy of Article 370’s abrogation. ¹ ¹⁷
Balwant Singh Mankotia (BJP MLA): Accused the National Conference of hijacking the Assembly and creating a constitutional crisis. ¹⁸

R S Pathania (BJP MLA): Called the resolution unfortunate, compromising the Assembly’s integrity. ¹⁹
Smriti Irani (BJP Leader): Criticised the resolution as divisive and against the Constitution, questioning Congress’s stance on terrorism. ²⁰ ²¹
Sham Lal Sharma (BJP Leader): Condemned the resolution as a political gimmick, accusing NC of manipulating sentiments. ²² ¹⁰