Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared on Friday that Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), is definitively abolished and will not be reinstated. He criticized political leaders who promise to restore the article, calling them misleading to the people of J&K.

At the launch of the BJP’s election manifesto for the forthcoming Assembly elections, Shah reaffirmed the complete integration of J&K into India and rejected any possibility of restoring Article 370 and 35A. He highlighted the restored democratic processes in J&K, citing increased voter turnout in recent elections as evidence of this progress.

On the subject of political parties advocating for talks with Pakistan, Shah firmly stated that such discussions are not feasible while terrorism continues in J&K. However, he expressed openness to engaging with J&K’s youth, referring to them as “our own children.”

Shah also responded to NC leader Omar Abdullah’s suggestion of revisiting reservations for certain groups, emphasizing that these reservations are constitutionally protected and cannot be altered. He challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to clarify his position on the NC manifesto’s proposals related to Article 370 and other issues.

The BJP’s manifesto includes plans for major developments in J&K, such as restoring Dal Lake, creating a “fun city” in Srinagar, and establishing a pharmaceutical park in Udhampur. It also promises support for local youth preparing for UPSC exams, regularization of long-standing leases, and amnesty for overdue electricity bills.

Shah dismissed opposition claims about statehood, asserting that it will be restored when appropriate, as previously stated in Parliament. He also addressed concerns about the intimidation of Muslims, assuring that they will not face discrimination anywhere in India, including J&K.

The J&K Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1, with vote counting set for October 8.