Srinagar, Feb 21: Leader of Opposition and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sunil Sharma on Saturday accused the ruling Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) of misleading people through what he termed “confusing constitutional terminology,” and challenged the government to substantiate its claims regarding “special status” for Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the BJP’s Mega Joining Programme at SKICC in Srinagar, Sharma said he had openly challenged the government in the Assembly to point out where the term “special status” is mentioned in the Constitution in the manner it is being projected.
He reiterated that Article 370 “is history” and asserted that there is no possibility of its restoration. “Constitutional provisions cannot be interpreted through political slogans. If there is any claim about special status, it must be backed by constitutional text,” he said.
Referring to the 2024 Assembly elections, Sharma alleged that the NC had sought votes in the name of restoring Article 370 but later maintained that it could not expect support from the BJP-led Centre. “The people must ask what exactly is being promised under the term ‘special status’,” he added.
The Leader of Opposition also accused the NC leadership of adopting contradictory political positions over the years. He alleged that while the party publicly criticises the BJP, it has previously aligned with it for political purposes.
Sharma further stated that legislative proceedings are now under greater public scrutiny, noting that increased digital access to Assembly debates has enhanced transparency and accountability.
During his address, he criticised the government over employment and electricity-related commitments, alleging that several promises lacked clarity and required greater accountability.
He urged party workers to take constitutional and governance-related issues to the grassroots level and said the BJP would continue to raise such matters both inside and outside the Assembly.
