In a recent appearance on India TV’s ‘Aap Ki Adalat,’ Union Minister Giriraj Singh firmly ruled out the restoration of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir and was abrogated by the Parliament on August 5, 2019. Singh’s remarks come in the wake of the National Conference returning to power following the recent assembly elections in the region.
Singh, known for his hardline Hindutva views, made his stance clear, stating, “Even if Rahul Gandhi and Farooq Abdullah offer Namaaz prayers every morning at the top of their voice, Article 370 is not going to return.” He emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made substantial efforts for the development of Kashmir, yet the Muslim voters in the Valley did not support the BJP.
When questioned by Rajat Sharma about how the BJP could win over Muslim voters, Singh responded, “How can we win their hearts? Should I tear open my chest like Hanuman Ji? Even if I do their ‘aarti,’ they never voted for me.”
Singh reflected on the changing security landscape in the Valley, noting that before Modi‘s governance, fear dominated the region due to stone-pelting incidents and terrorism. He claimed, “After Modi Ji revoked Article 370, people can now freely move in Lal Chowk. Hotels have reopened, and Modi’s policies have brought peace and progress in Kashmir.”
Addressing the topic of terrorism, Singh stated that while he does not equate all Muslims with terrorism, he questioned why 99% of arrested terrorists are Muslims. When Sharma pointed out that terrorists have no religion, Singh insisted, “It’s religion that is the reason. Why are there no bomb blasts during Narendra Modi’s rule?”
Despite Sharma’s attempts to shift the narrative, Singh maintained his perspective, stating, “I am saying the same thing. All Muslims are not terrorists, but 90% of those arrested on terror charges are Muslims. Why shouldn’t I say this?”
Singh alleged that madrasas and mosques are breeding grounds for terrorism, stating, “In 1947, there were hardly 3,000 mosques in India, and now there are more than 3 lakh mosques.” He asserted that instead of teaching children to be good human beings, these institutions are fostering extremist ideologies.
When discussing Deoband, Singh pointed out that prominent terrorists, such as Masood Azhar, emerged from there, asking rhetorically, “Should I call him a ‘dharmatma’ or a terrorist?”
Emphasizing his belief that India belongs to Hindus, Singh remarked, “India was partitioned in 1947 on religious lines. If the country was partitioned on religious lines, and had Pandit Nehru sent all Muslims to Pakistan, neither would we have a Waqf Board nor Owaisi emerging.”
In response to concerns raised by Congress leaders about his remarks, Singh dismissed their validity, stating, “Let any Muslim in India tell me, whether any Hindu threw stones at their ‘taazia’ from 1947 till now.”
Singh also criticized the Congress Party for its electoral strategies, asserting, “You can’t fool people forever. During the parliamentary elections, they cheated voters by saying the BJP was going to end caste reservation.”
He challenged Rahul Gandhi, stating, “Instead of asking others, let him reveal his own caste.” Singh’s comments illustrate his unwavering confidence in Modi’s governance and a clear message about the BJP’s intentions moving forward.
Key Highlights:
- Union Minister Giriraj Singh rules out the restoration of Article 370 despite the National Conference’s return to power.
- Singh discusses Kashmir’s development post-Article 370 abrogation.
- Controversial remarks on terrorism and the role of religious institutions.
- Strong stance on national identity, emphasizing India belongs to Hindus.
- Critique of Congress’s electoral strategies and Rahul Gandhi’s leadership.