Article 370 abrogation completed unfinished task: Rajnath Singh

Srinagar, Dec 25: Asserting that the abrogation of Article 370 completed an unfinished task linked to national integration, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said the move fulfilled a long-cherished vision of Bharatiya Jana Sangh ideologue Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya.

Addressing a gathering after the inauguration of the Rashtriya Prerna Sthal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lucknow, Singh, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “The decision to remove the special constitutional provisions for Jammu and Kashmir was rooted in the ideological foundations laid decades ago.”

He said, “Upadhyaya had envisioned complete constitutional integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country and had made sacrifices for that cause.”

Singh said the abrogation of Article 370 marked a decisive step towards ensuring unity and equal constitutional rights for citizens of Jammu and Kashmir.

He said the move ended the system of separate laws and symbols, strengthening the idea of one nation governed by one Constitution.

Referring to other leaders associated with Jammu and Kashmir, the Defence Minister said Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mukherjee had also played a key role in advocating full integration of the erstwhile state with India and had laid down his life for the cause.

He said PM Modi carried forward that legacy by taking the final step in August 2019.

Singh said that since the abrogation of Article 370, J&K has witnessed greater political stability, improved governance and enhanced focus on development.

He said the Centre’s policies were aimed at ensuring inclusive growth, infrastructure development and social justice for the people of the region.

The Defence Minister recalled an anecdote about former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, saying that when a Pakistani woman once expressed her wish to marry Vajpayee and asked for Kashmir as a gift, Vajpayee responded that he would agree only if she gave him the whole of Pakistan as dowry.

Singh said the NDA government was committed to the welfare of the poor and marginalised, a philosophy inspired by Upadhyaya’s concept of “Antyodaya”.

He said welfare schemes were now reaching the grassroots in Jammu and Kashmir, helping improve access to housing, healthcare, employment and basic services.

Highlighting broader national developments, Singh said India’s global standing had improved significantly under the PM Modi led government.

He said India was now being heard with seriousness on the international stage and had emerged as one of the fastest-growing major economies.

The Rashtriya Prerna Sthal, built over 65 acres at a cost of around Rs 230 crore, is dedicated to leaders including Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Syama Prasad Mukherjee and Deendayal Upadhyaya. Singh said preserving the legacy and ideas of such leaders was essential for guiding future generations.

He said the ideals of national unity, social harmony and development espoused by these leaders continued to shape policy decisions, including those related to Jammu and Kashmir.