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Even before an official reaction from the Congress came, the party’s former Mumbai chief Milind Deora, also a former MP, on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court decision upholding the abrogation of Article 370.
“Article 370 of India’s Constitution was always intended to be a temporary provision, and its abrogation marked a significant constitutional development with far-reaching consequences. While I support the abrogation of Article 370 for security and economic reasons, the process could have been more consultative, facilitating a smoother transition without imposing unnecessary restrictions on the people of Kashmir,” said Deora in a statement posted on the social media website X.
I welcome the Supreme Court’s verdict on #Article370 & believe that the judgement transcends politics. Furthermore, my stance on the issue is shaped by personal experiences in Kashmir: pic.twitter.com/1MbopNBw4G
— Milind Deora | मिलिंद देवरा ☮️ (@milinddeora) December 11, 2023
Deora stated that during his numerous visits to Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370, “it’s evident that the region has witnessed increased tourism, enhanced infrastructure, and improved economic prospects, notably benefiting women”.
“Having visited Kashmir multiple times before the abrogation of Article 370, I observed a positive increase in women’s participation in the workplace, which is a promising trend,” he said, adding that conversations with the younger generation had revealed their aspirations for a stable, militancy-free Kashmir with better economic opportunities and peaceful coexistence, signifying a notable shift from past ideological fixations.
He added that granting complete statehood to Jammu and Kashmir should be prioritised. “Prolonged control by unelected officials from New Delhi isn’t a sustainable long-term solution. People, including those from Jammu, deserve the right to democratically elect their representatives and influence the policies governing them. The Supreme Court’s verdict about holding elections by September 30th, 2024, is a welcome step,” he said.
The Congress leader further said that it was imperative to strive towards the complete integration of the people of Kashmir into the Indian mainstream, encompassing not only political integration but also social, cultural and economic inclusion.
Deora’s immediate response welcoming the apex court verdict has raised eyebrows in Maharashtra’s political circles. In the past as well, Deora has taken stands contradictory to those of his party, including the one on holding simultaneous elections in the country. In 2019, he said the concept of “one nation, one election” was worthy of a debate.
In 2022, he again contradicted party leader Rahul Gandhi on the oil pricing issue, which even led to another senior Congress leader, Randeep Surjewala, replying to Deora on X, then Twitter.
Last month, it was speculated that Deora was planning to join the Ajit Pawar-led NCP. However, he was quick to clarify that he was not going anywhere and will remain with the Congress.
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