Union defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman reasoned why Articles 370 and 35A should not be reviewed when only a few families are benefitting from it, at an event in Bengaluru on Sunday.
The BJP released its election manifesto ‘Sankalpit Bharat, Sashakt Bharat’ on April 8, and among many promises, made one to abrogate articles 370 and 35A of the Constitution, Article 370 gives autonomous status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir, whereas Article 35A allows the Jammu and Kashmir state government’s legislature to define ‘permanent resident’ status in the state.
Speaking in the line of her party views, Sitharaman in Bengaluru said, “People of J&K know they’re being denied benefits. Don’t know how it works but 3-4 families of J&K are prospering. Every central government gives funds, don’t see people receiving the funds. With all this isn’t there a reason to review Art 370&35A.”