Do not act in haste on #Article 370: Mayawati to PM Narendra Modi

BSP surpemo Mayawati today urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to take any step in haste on Article 370 as it might affect "unity and integrity" of the country. "Even if Centre feels it necessary to repeal Article 370 in the interests of people of Jammu and Kashmir, no decision should be taken in haste that might affect unity and integrity of the country," Mayawati told reporters here.

She alleged that controversy on Article 370 was generated only to create polarisation among people on the lines of community and religion. Refusing to clarify her party's stand on the issue, Mayawati said the Centre should first clarify its policy in this regard. Mayawati also downplayed Modi's meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, saying there was nothing new in this.

"Nawaz was told that terrorism and talks could not run simultaneously. What's new in it? Earlier government had also acted in the same manner," she said. On controversy over HRD Minister Smriti Irani's educational qualifications, Mayawati said, "It's not a matter of less or more education. The question is that if a woman, who gave wrong information in her affidavits, could be made minister."

Reminding Modi of his promise that he would rid Parliament of those having criminal background, Mayawati said in his Cabinet around 30 per cent people of criminal background had been included as per the information of Association for Democratic Reforms organisation. In reply to a question, Mayawati welcomed decision to constitute SIT on blackmoney, saying the money deposited in foreign countries should be brought back.