Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, once again affirmed that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is an integral part of India and vowed to reclaim it if the BJP-led NDA returns to power under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Amit Shah compared the situation in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 to the right now situation of state in PoK. He emphasized the restoration of peace in Kashmir contrasted with the protests and calls for freedom in PoK. Shah pointed out the shift in dynamics, noting that the same unrest seen in Kashmir is now evident in PoK.
Criticizing Congress leaders for not supporting the demand to reclaim PoK, Shah stated, “Congress leaders like Mani Shankar Aiyar argue against it, citing Pakistan’s possession of nuclear weapons. However, let me assert that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is rightfully part of India, and we will retake it.”
“Isn’t Pakistan-occupied Kashmir ours? Mani Shankar Aiyar and Farooq Abdullah used to intimidate us, citing Pakistan’s nuclear capability. Regardless of your fears, Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, Pak-occupied Kashmir belongs to us, and we will reclaim it,” Shah declared.
Regarding the abrogation of Article 370, Shah remarked, “Mamata Banerjee, Congress, and the syndicate opposed the removal of Article 370, predicting dire consequences. But under PM Modi’s leadership, not only did bloodshed not occur, but there wasn’t even a spark of violence.”
Amit Shah also criticized Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, for her opposition to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and her support for infiltrators. He accused her of deviating from her promise of governance for the people to catering to particular groups. Shah highlighted disparities in treatment between religious communities and accused Banerjee of misleading people about the CAA’s purpose.