Disagreeing with the Supreme Court: Congress' Stance on Article 370

 

## Introduction

The recent Supreme Court verdict on the abrogation of Article 370 has sparked a wide range of reactions across the political spectrum. While many have welcomed the decision, the Congress party has expressed its disagreement with the judgment. In this article, we will delve into Congress' perspective on the matter, exploring their arguments and stance on why they believe Article 370 "deserved to be honored."

The Congress' Position on Article 370

The Congress' Disagreement with the Supreme Court

The Congress party, a prominent political entity in India, has respectfully disagreed with the Supreme Court's decision to uphold the abrogation of Article 370. They have expressed their dissatisfaction with the judgment, asserting that Article 370 deserved to be honored and should have been strictly amended in accordance with the Constitution of India.

The Demand for Restoration of Full Statehood

One of the key points emphasized by the Congress party is their demand for the restoration of full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. They believe that the current status of Jammu and Kashmir as a union territory undermines the democratic rights of its residents. The Congress party maintains that elections in Jammu and Kashmir should be held immediately to restore the democratic process in the region.

Disappointment with Unresolved Issues

While acknowledging that the Supreme Court's verdict decided certain issues related to Article 370, the Congress party highlights that several crucial matters remain unresolved. They express disappointment that the court did not address the question of dismembering the state and reducing its status to two union territories. Congress leader P. Chidambaram asserts that this issue should have been included in the judgment and reserved for adjudication in a suitable future case.

Congress' Vision for Jammu and Kashmir

Upholding the Importance of Democracy

The Congress party firmly believes that democracy, not autocracy, is the demand of every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir. They raise concerns about the absence of elected governments in Jammu and Kashmir since 2014, emphasizing the need for an elected government to represent the aspirations and voices of the people. Congress' Abhishek Singhvi questions why the BJP is apprehensive about allowing an elected government in Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing Security Concerns

Congress also raises concerns about the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. They question the concrete measures taken by the BJP-led government to ensure the security of the borders, particularly in light of the ongoing border tensions with China. The party emphasizes the need for the BJP to provide clarity on their plans for border security and the delimitation of Vidhan Sabha seats in the region.

Restoring Peace, Harmony, and Prosperity

Congress leader P. Chidambaram highlights that the restoration of full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir is essential for the peace, harmony, and prosperity of the region. He expresses hope that the Supreme Court's verdict will pave the way for the complete restoration of statehood, which will allow the people of Jammu and Kashmir to regain their sense of pride and participate in the democratic process.

Conclusion

While the Supreme Court's verdict on the abrogation of Article 370 has been celebrated by some, the Congress party holds a different perspective. They firmly believe that Article 370 deserved to be honored and that the decision to abrogate it should have been strictly in accordance with the Constitution. Congress emphasizes the importance of restoring full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir and conducting elections to ensure a democratic process in the region. Through their dissent, Congress aims to protect the democratic rights and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.