Srinagar, Feb 07 (KNO): Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly and senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma on Saturday questioned demands for “special status” for the Union Territory, saying there is no provision for it in the Indian Constitution.
Speaking to the media, Sharma, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “I am not a legal expert but, based on my understanding of constitutional provisions, there is no mention of special status in relation to Jammu and Kashmir’s accession or merger with India. Any constitutional demand must have a legal basis.”
He said, “What is this special status? Many states demand special status. You must have seen several states seeking special packages. Special status can mean an employment package or other benefits.”
He said Article 370, which provided certain privileges to Jammu and Kashmir, is now part of history. “So don’t connect it to 370. It has been buried,” he added.
Referring to a National Conference MLA who raised the issue of special status in the Assembly, Sharma said, “Where is it? It is not there. They should take the Indian Constitution to a legal expert and show where special status regarding J&K exists.”
Sharma said he would be willing to face any punishment if proof of such a special status could be provided.
He alleged that political leaders, particularly from the Abdullah family, have always misled people of Kashmir to gain votes by making claims about special status.
He accused the National Conference of mocking daily wage workers, unemployed youth, and beneficiaries of government schemes such as AAY, DPL, and EWS during discussions on special status.
Sharma claimed that some leaders are now using the demand for special status to legitimise electoral setbacks and failures in governance. “Abdullah Parivar has cheated Kashmir. Today, when exposed for their failures, they are making claims of special status to justify themselves,” he said.
Sharma questioned the relevance of the term in contemporary politics: “If there is a special status word about J&K, I am ready to face any punishment. But it is a lie. Where is the special status?”—(KNO)