The Supreme Court's recent affirmation of the President's authority to revoke Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir has sparked disagreement from the Congress, asserting that the provision, which bestowed special status upon the region, merited respect until its alteration in alignment with the Indian Constitution. Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram expressed the party's respectful dissent regarding the manner in which the BJP-led central government annulled Article 370 in 2019.
"We respectfully disagree with the judgment on the abrogation of Article 370. We reaffirm the CWC resolution that Article 370 deserved adherence until its amendment strictly in accordance with the Constitution of India," Chidambaram stated.
While the Supreme Court validated the President's right to revoke Article 370 without the state assembly's ratification and upheld the division of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories, it deferred the decision on the state's reduction to union territories for future deliberation, disappointing Chidambaram.
However, the Congress hailed the Supreme Court's stance advocating the reinstatement of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. "The Indian National Congress has persistently advocated for the full restoration of statehood to the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. We appreciate the Supreme Court's directive in this regard and emphasize the immediate restoration of full statehood," Chidambaram added, urging swifter action than the stipulated deadline of September 2024.
Highlighting the importance of elections in allowing the people of Jammu and Kashmir to voice their opinions on crucial matters, Chidambaram noted the denial of this opportunity thus far.
Mehbooba Mufti, the chief of PDP, regarded the Supreme Court's verdict as a defeat of the foundational principles of India. She emphasized the need for unity in the face of challenges and expressed discontent over the restrictive measures imposed in Jammu and Kashmir.
Omar Abdullah, a leader of the National Conference, echoed disappointment over aspects of the Supreme Court's decision.
Contrarily, Congress leader Karan Singh, son of Jammu and Kashmir's last ruler, Hari Singh, welcomed the verdict and urged acceptance of the inevitability of the situation. He advised those dissenting to acknowledge the decision and refrain from futile resistance.
The differing opinions underscore the complexity and divisiveness surrounding the contentious issue of Article 370's revocation and the state's reorganization, signaling ongoing debates and challenges in the region's political landscape.
