The Lok Sabha turned into a battleground as Union Home Minister Amit Shah fiercely countered TMC MP Saugata Ray’s claims during the debate on the Jammu and Kashmir bills. Shah’s sharp retort questioned the plausibility of a nation harboring dual prime ministers, flags, and constitutions.
“In what world can a country thrive with two PMs, two constitutions, and two flags? Those who permitted this erred. PM Modi rectified it. Since 1950, we’ve advocated for ‘Ek Pradhan, Ek Nishan, and Ek Vidhan’ (one prime minister, one flag, and one constitution) in the country, and we’ve achieved it,” declared Home Minister Shah, addressing remarks made by TMC MP Saugata Ray.
Ray, in his Lok Sabha speech, criticized the decisions taken in Jammu and Kashmir post-Amit Shah’s tenure as Home Minister. He specifically mentioned the abrogation of Article 370 and the transformation of J&K into Union Territories.
“Abrogating Article 370 and converting Jammu and Kashmir into Union Territories was a significant move by Amit Shah. But what have you accomplished?” Ray was questioned during the discussion.
Adding to the discourse, Union Minister Anurag Thakur highlighted the visible transformation in Kashmir’s security situation. “Previously, stone-pelting incidents were rampant in Kashmir. Today, there is peace. The Indian flag now proudly waves not just at Lal Chowk but across every corner of Kashmir,” stated Thakur.
The ongoing session deliberated upon the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, seeking to amend existing legislation pertaining to reservation in jobs, admissions, and reorganization.
The Bills, introduced on July 26, 2023, introduce provisions for the inclusion of socially and educationally backward classes, amendments to seat reservations, and special provisions for displaced persons and migrants in the legislative assembly.
As tensions and debates ensue, the House remains engaged in extensive deliberations over the future course of action for Jammu and Kashmir’s legislative framework and social dynamics.