abrogation-of-article-370-a-black-deed-aga-mehdi

Jammu and Kashmir National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi criticised the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir as detrimental to the country and democracy, describing it as a "black deed."

Speaking during a debate on the demands for grants for the Union Ministry of Fishing, Animal Husbandry, and Dairy in the Lok Sabha, the Srinagar MP referred to the abrogation as a “kala karnama" (black deed).

While discussing the grants for animal husbandry and fisheries in the house, Mehdi remarked, "The states and their representatives engaging in this debate are fortunate to live in an environment where they are equal citizens with equal rights. 

"In contrast, we, the people of Jammu and Kashmir, do not enjoy the same rights as the rest of the country."

 “What happened five years ago was not good for the country, was not good for democracy. It didn’t go well for us,” Mehdi remarked, prompting a strong reaction from the treasury benches.

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai intervened in the discussion, asserting that the decision was taken for the integrity and unity of the country. 

Mehdi responded, "The decision might have favoured your party but not democracy."

Furious at his remarks, Nityanand Rai raised objections. 

However, Mehdi quickly retorted, "Just because you made the decision doesn't mean it was right," and urged the minister to have the patience to listen.”

Furious by interruptions, Mehdi said, “Dictators do not want to listen as they are fearful of truth”

Jagdambika Pal, who was presiding over the session at the time, urged Mehdi to ensure his comments were limited to the budget.

On this day in 2019, the Narendra Modi-led government annulled Article 370 and Article 35(A), which granted special rights to the former state of Jammu and Kashmir. The state was subsequently divided into two Union territories.

It has been ten years since the last assembly elections were held in Jammu and Kashmir, and the region has been without a legislative assembly since 2018. 

It's expected that the Assembly elections will  be held in September as per the Supreme Court's deadline.