Jammu, Aug 4: Jammu and Kashmir unit of the BJP on Tuesday said the abrogation of Article 370 by the Centre on August 5, 2019 was a "historic step" which laid a firm foundation for peace, transparent governance, investment and inclusive development in the Union Territory. On the eve of the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, the BJP said the development has also ensured constitutional equality, social justice and complete integration of J-K with the rest of India. BJP spokespersons Purnima Sharma and Rajni Sethi credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for demonstrating decisive leadership and political courage in taking the landmark decision on August 5, 2019. Both leaders asserted that the decision strengthened the vision of "Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat" and laid a firm foundation for peace, transparent governance, investment and inclusive development in J-K. "Prime Minister Modi fulfilled the commitment of one nation, one Constitution and one flag, while Amit Shah played a pivotal role in translating this vision into constitutional reality," Sharma said. She said the Constitution of India became fully applicable to J-K, giving its citizens the same fundamental rights and constitutional safeguards available across the country. Sharma, a former deputy mayor of Jammu, said several progressive central laws relating to education, women's safety, child protection, social justice, disability rights, transparency and accountability were extended or adapted to J-K. She said the three-tier panchayati raj system strengthened grassroots democracy by providing greater participation to local representatives in planning, financial decision-making and development. Referring to the Supreme Court's December 2023 judgment, Sharma said the Constitution bench upheld the presidential measures that rendered Article 370 inoperative, confirming their constitutional validity. Sethi described August 5 as a turning point for women, children and marginalised communities. "The Modi government removed constitutional barriers and ensured equal access to progressive national laws. This achievement reflects Modi's determination and Amit Shah's strategic leadership," Sethi said.
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