Former BJP president Nitin Gadkari has described Article 370 as a stumbling block in Jammu & Kashmir’s economic development saying the “special status” to the State is disallowing industrialists to invest. He said Kashmir issue is about poverty, unemployment and lack of development.
“One thing is clear that we are committed for the J&K’s development. It is very unfortunate that the State’s economy is very weak despite availability of all facilities,” he said.
Gadkari said some people, under the cover of secularism, are trying to malign the image of BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendera Modi. “We believe in equality irrespective of colour, cast and religion and sex,” he said.
He said the BJP wants a public debate on Article 370. “It is not that we want a war with the people of Jammu & Kashmir, we want debate,” he said. “I stand by the BJP manifesto. The State can’t prosper unless and until Article 370 will go. Poverty and unemployment will continue as investors are not able to invest in J&K because of State’s special position,” he said.