Only government of India can restore Article 370, not any state: Ghulam Nabi Azad

Ghulam Nabi Azad, chairman of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), emphasized that the restoration of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir is solely within the jurisdiction of the Government of India.

Taking aim at the National Conference (NC) and Congress over their stance on statehood, Azad reminded that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have already committed to reinstating statehood.

Speaking at an event, Azad criticized the NC and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for not raising the issue of Article 370 and statehood during discussions in Parliament. "Neither the National Conference nor the PDP spoke in Parliament on Article 370 and statehood. I was the one who raised the issue," he said.

He reiterated that only the central government can restore Article 370.

Azad’s comments come after Congress MP Rahul Gandhi vowed that the opposition INDIA bloc would pressure the BJP-led government, both inside and outside Parliament, to ensure Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood is restored following the upcoming assembly elections.

Azad, who was campaigning for his party’s candidate in the Bani Assembly constituency in Kathua district, noted the enthusiasm among the public, saying people are eager to participate in the elections after a decade. He called for unity and urged voters to support candidates focused on development and progress, cautioning against false promises and slogans.

"By voting for DPAP, the people of Bani can pave the way for a prosperous and inclusive future," Azad said, promising that together they would rebuild Jammu and Kashmir for the better.