Lucknow, Nov 7 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday took a strong stance against Congress and the National Conference, condemning their call to reinstate Articles 370 and 35A.
Referring to a recent proposal passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly to restore these articles, the CM said, “Congress and its allies aim to drag the country and the valley back into the flames of terrorism. They are unwilling to see Jammu and Kashmir’s development and the promising future of its youth. The nation will never accept their divisive agendas. The 140 crore people of India stand firmly for the unity and integrity of the nation and are prepared to respond decisively to any threats.”
He cautioned that if Congress does not oppose this proposal, it may face the same fate as Articles 370 and 35A.
Yogi also highlighted the importance of Chhath Puja and underscored the need to safeguard national unity and integrity.
He said, “When we are divided by caste and religion, others rule over us. While we come together through these festivals, some individuals living in India are undermining the country’s essence. No true Indian should tolerate this. But when we, as 140 crores strong, speak in unison, no force can challenge India.”
The CM said, “On August 5, 2019, Prime Minister Modi decisively eradicated terrorism in the Kashmir Valley by abolishing Articles 370 and 35A. This historic decision, approved by Parliament, eliminated Jammu and Kashmir’s special status from the Constitution. The world then witnessed a new, powerful India—peaceful but resolute in defending itself.”
He emphasised India’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and integrity, declaring that the nation is ready to make any sacrifice to protect its identity and unity.
Yogi strongly criticized Congress, highlighting how it introduced Article 370 into the Constitution despite Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s opposition, thereby setting Kashmir on a path to violence and terrorism. He recalled the turmoil that followed, with widespread violence, targeted killings of Kashmiri Pandits, and brutal attacks on anyone voicing support for India.
He said, “While Congress had initially labelled Article 370 a ‘temporary provision,’ only Prime Minister Modi took the bold step to eliminate it. Today, Kashmir is on a path of progress, with new educational institutions, hospitals, industries, and a renewed sense of security that has allowed previously displaced residents to return home.”
However, the CM condemned the recent resolution passed in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly by the Congress and National Conference to reinstate Articles 370 and 35A, describing it as a return to divisive and disruptive politics.
He warned that Congress’s actions signal an intention to rekindle terrorism by undermining national unity. CM Yogi reminded that Article 370, now abolished, cannot and will not return—it was the root cause of mass violence, terrorism, and the massacre of countless innocent people.
He described it as a “blood-stained chapter,” which once destroyed Kashmir’s social harmony and beauty by fueling religious extremism and turning the region into a hub of terrorism.
Yogi issued a strong message to Congress and the National Conference, stating that their actions in Kashmir reveal a dangerous disregard for national unity, which the nation will never tolerate.
He emphasised that India’s 140 crore citizens stand firmly for the country’s unity and integrity and are prepared to firmly oppose any efforts to undermine it.
On the occasion of Chhath Puja, he called on Congress to denounce the resolution passed in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly; otherwise, he warned, the party’s fate could mirror the removal of Articles 370 and 35A in Kashmir.
Addressing the gathering in Bhojpuri, CM Yogi extended warm Chhath Mahaparva wishes to all devotees, particularly acknowledging the devotion of mothers and sisters who observe the challenging fast.
He highlighted India’s cultural uniqueness, noting the Bhojpuri community’s significant contributions to its rich heritage. Describing Chhath as a festival celebrated across India, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized its role in strengthening the heritage of Indian culture both nationally and globally. He remarked that festivals like Chhath instill pride in our cultural roots, offering a meaningful opportunity to honor the ‘Surya Dev’ (Sun God), a symbol of life in Indian tradition. Highlighting the Sun’s essential role in sustaining all forms of life, CM Yogi noted that through Chhath Mahaparva, people express gratitude to the ‘Surya Dev’ and promote a message of linking the festival’s sanctity with a sense of patriotism.
On this occasion, many dignitaries including Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, Legislative Council member Govind Narayan Shukla, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh and National President of Bhojpuri Samaj Prabhunath Rai were present.
