Article 370 a stumbling block to Jammu and Kashmir's development: BJP

The BJP today demanded abrogation of Article 370 that gives special status to Jammu and Kashmir, saying it was a stumbling block to the development of the state.

"The Article 370 of the constitution is a stumbling block and the state cannot progress in sectors of industry, power or tourism, if the provision remain... this article has worked against the interests of the people of the state," BJP president Nitin Gadkari told the 'Ekta Sanklap Rally' at Parade Ground here.

He blamed Congress' policies for poverty and unemployment in the state.

"As a result of Congress' policies, Jammu and Kashmir is facing problems of poverty, unemployment and rampant corruption," he said, adding that people of Ladakh and Jammu are facing discrimination and those who had migrated are still waiting for justice.

He said the party will not "compromise on anything like azadi" to the state.

Gadkari said his party will raise the issues of displaced Kashmiri Pandits and Ladakhis in Parliament and assured that on his return to Delhi, he will set up a committee to take up issues pertaining to the state.

Addressing the rally, veteran BJP leader LK Advani said Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, founder of erstwhile Bhartiya Jan Sangh, had warned that separatist movement will intensify in the state, if the Centre does not change its Kashmir policy.

Advani said he salutes the state where Mukherjee "sacrificed" his life. He was arrested in Kashmir on May 1953 and later died in custody.

He said inspite of 63 years of independence, there is still discrimination against Jammu and Ladakh regions.

Advani claimed the Congress is so scared of BJP's rise that even at the recent plenary session the only issued discussed was BJP.

On alleged involvement of DMK leader A Raja in the second generation mobile spectrum scam and government not taking action against him earlier, Advani said corruption should not be allowed despite coalition compulsions.

"Although coalition governments have their own compulsions, there should be no compromise on integrity, sovereignty or allowing of corrupt practices," he asserted.  

Leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley blamed Jawaharlal Nehru's policy on Jammu and Kashmir for the current state of problems and alleged the Centre, mostly headed by Congress, directly and indirectly encouraged separatists.

The ad hoc approaches adopted by the Centre has made Jammu and Kashmir to stand on cross-roads, Jaitley said, adding forming of working groups and appointment of three interlocutors are not the ways to resolve Kashmir issue.