In an attempt to mobilise mass support for the Modi Government’s move to abrogate articles 370 and 35-A, the BJP on Monday announced a month-long nationwide contact programme, beginning September 1. The Yatra will be aimed creating awareness in public about its idea of “one-Constitution-one-nation” in 370 smaller towns and 35 big cities, including Kashmir Valley.
Nine places, including four in Kashmir Valley, have been chosen in the erstwhile Jammu & Kashmir, now a Union Territory with an Assembly, for the exercise, said Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat here at a Press conference. The conference also saw eight political leaders from Kargil and two from Ladakh joining the BJP.
Barring an Assembly, Ladakh is now also a Union Territory directly administered by the Centre like Jammu & Kashmir. Among others who joined BJP included Jammu & Kashmir legislative council chairman Haji Inayat Ali and Ladakh Autonomous Council’s executive member Mohammad Ali.
Pradhan said the decision on revoking Article 370 was “historic” and one of the few moments in the history of independent India that united people across political and ideological divides.
All the key BJP leaders, Chief Ministers, Central and State Ministers would participate in “jan sampark abhiyan” which would be headed by Pradhan and Sekhawat with BJP vice-president Jay Panda also included in the team.
BJP Ministers said with the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35 A, J&K has been fully integrated in the country and would fulfill the aspirations of “new generation” in the State.