J&K MP Criticizes Abrogation of Article 370

Jammu and Kashmir National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi criticized the abrogation of Article 370 during a Lok Sabha debate on the Union Ministry’s budget for Fishing, Animal Husbandry, and Dairy. He termed the move as detrimental to the country and democracy, causing a sharp reaction from treasury benches.

Jammu and Kashmir National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Monday criticized the abrogation of Article 370, stating it was detrimental to both the country and democracy.

During a Lok Sabha debate on the budget for the Union Ministry of Fishing, Animal Husbandry, and Dairy, the Srinagar MP described the abrogation as a 'kala karnama' (black act).

The Narendra Modi-led government had annulled Article 370 and Article 35(A) on this day in 2019, which provided special rights to the former state of Jammu and Kashmir, subsequently dividing it into two Union territories.

Mehdi remarked, 'What happened five years ago was not good for the country, was not good for the democracy. It didn't go well for us,' eliciting a sharp reaction from the treasury benches.

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai intervened, asserting the decision reinforced the country's integrity and unity.

The session chair, Jagdambika Pal, urged Mehdi to focus solely on the budget discussion.

(With inputs from agencies.)