The reinstatement of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood will be discussed after the assembly polls, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said in an exclusive interview to ANI.
“I had clearly said that statehood will be restored in Jammu and Kashmir after elections,” Shah said. “Process of preparation of voters’ list is nearing completion in the UT. Now, the Election Commission has to take a call on elections.”
The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a plea challenging the government’s decision to form a delimitation commission in Jammu and Kashmir.
The home minister also highlighted the gains made in Jammu and Kashmir following the revocation of Article 370 saying there has been a decrease in terrorism-related incidents in Jammu and Kashmir, and that developmental efforts in the region are contributing to the improving situation.
“See all the figures, there is a lot of change in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Shah also criticized the rule of previous governments. “As far as elections are concerned, do they not remember the local body polls, these were held under our rule, these did not take place for 70 years. Three families were holding sway in Jammu and Kashmir and they are making noise. Farooq Abdullah had gone to England. In whose tenure, terrorism grew, who allowed it to grow, there should be an answer,” he said.
