Supreme Court : In a monumental decision, the Supreme Court upheld the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, triggering widespread reactions across the nation. Following this landmark verdict by the Supreme Court on Monday (December 11th), intense debates echoed in the Parliament.
Unveiling the Core Discussion: Amit Shah’s Statements
Especially in the Upper House, Union Home Minister Amit Shah strategically targeted the Congress, attributing the Kashmir issue to Jawaharlal Nehru’s errors. He emphasized that Kashmir’s predicament stemmed from Nehru’s misguided actions, igniting a fiery exchange with protesting Congress members. Shah’s pointed remark, “Sit down and listen. These three families made mistakes…” was a veiled reference to the Gandhi family, Abdullah family, and Mufti family, who held prolonged authority in Kashmir.
Examining Delayed Integration: Nehru’s Role
Addressing the Rajya Sabha on Monday regarding Article 370, the Union Home Minister highlighted that the delayed integration of Jammu and Kashmir was due to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Shah expressed dissatisfaction with the Congress’s objections to the Supreme Court ruling, stating, “I cannot fathom their standpoint (Congress and other opposition parties) as it breaches my understanding.”
Contemplating Nehru’s Actions: A Contentious Debate
During discussions on the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Bill and Reservation Bill, Amit Shah raised questions about Nehru’s actions. He remarked, “It’s a known fact that had an untimely ceasefire not occurred, today Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) wouldn’t exist… I’d like to read a statement… This is Jawaharlal Nehru’s quotation. Whether you accept or not that he made a mistake. Acknowledge it…”
Incorporating Historical References: Patel’s Perspective
Amit Shah referenced a meeting in 1947 after Pakistan’s aggression on Kashmir, where Sam Manekshaw was present. Nehru hesitated to send troops to Kashmir. Patel questioned Nehru on whether he wanted Kashmir or not, citing the delay in sending troops. Subsequently, a decision was made to dispatch forces to Kashmir after this meeting.
Nehru’s Mistimed Ceasefire: Strategic Errors
In the discussions at the Rajya Sabha, Amit Shah asserted that our military was on the verge of success in Kashmir. If given two more days, India could have emptied the entire PoK. Nehru’s mistimed ceasefire was a grave error. His decision to involve the United Nations was another significant misstep. Shah reiterated that the delayed integration of Kashmir was due to the insistence on giving Sheikh Abdullah a special status, inadvertently providing Pakistan with an opportunity to invade.