On Monday, both regional parties from Andhra Pradesh – the TDP and YSRCP – supported the BJP government’s move to revoke Article 370 and Article 35A, which provided special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
Amidst a state lockdown by snapping internet and any other connection, the Union government on Monday started the process to revoke Article 370 and 35A of the Constitution, which provide special status to Jammu and Kashmir. They also moved a Bill to reorganise the state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories – Jammu and Kashmir with a legislature, and Ladakh without one.
Article 370 exempts Jammu and Kashmir from the Indian Constitution (except Article 1 and Article 370 itself) and permits the state to draft its own Constitution. Article 370 restricts the Indian Parliament’s legislative powers in respect of J&K.
The controversial move proposed by Home Minister Amit Shah in the Rajya Sabha, was met loud opposition, however several parties spoke in favour of it as well. Notably, both Telugu parties were among those who backed the bill.
YSRCP Parliamentary party leader in Rajya Sabha, Vijayasai Reddy said that the issue of Kashmir, had been 'pinching' the country for many years. “Hats off to the Home Minister and the Prime Minister for their vision. This will completely solve the problem of Kashmir. The courageous and bold and daring step by the Home Minister will be remembered in the Indian Parliamentary history forever. Our party President, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, and our party, whole-heartedly support the move,” he said.
Speaking in the Parliament, Andhra Pradesh opposition party TDP also welcomed the move. TDP MP Kanakamedala Ravindra Kumar said, “I must congratulate the Home Minister and PM as by strong implementation of this, the people of J&K must be relieved from all this tension and live happily and become a part of the country.”
This despite the fact that both YSRCP and TDP have been demanding a special status for Andhra Pradesh following the bifurcation of the state.
Taking to Twitter, TDP President N Chandrababu Naidu said, "Telugu Desam Party supports the Union Govt as it seeks to repeal Article 370. I pray for the peace and prosperity of the people of J&K (sic)."
Telugu Desam Party supports the Union Govt as it seeks to repeal Article 370. I pray for the peace and prosperity of the people of J&K.#Article370
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) August 5, 2019
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