JAMMU, Aug 5: Senior BJP leader and former Sarpanch Adv. Devraj Sharma today celebrated the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, describing August 5 as a landmark day in India’s constitutional history that ushered Jammu and Kashmir into a new era of peace, development, transparency and equal opportunities.
Addressing party workers and local residents, Adv. Sharma said that the historic decision taken by the Government of India under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 5, 2019, fulfilled the long-cherished dream of complete national integration. He stated that the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A removed decades-old constitutional barriers and ensured that every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir enjoys the same rights and constitutional safeguards as citizens in the rest of the country.
Calling the day a “celebration of national unity,” Sharma said the constitutional changes have strengthened democracy at the grassroots, accelerated developmental activities and opened new avenues for investment, employment, education and infrastructure across the Union Territory. He asserted that Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed remarkable progress in road connectivity, healthcare, education, tourism, industrial development and public welfare during the past seven years.
The senior BJP leader said that the implementation of various Central Government schemes without discrimination has directly benefited the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He maintained that weaker sections of society, including women, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and economically weaker families, are now receiving constitutional rights and welfare benefits that were either unavailable or restricted earlier.
Adv. Sharma said the atmosphere of peace and stability witnessed in many parts of the Union Territory has encouraged tourism, entrepreneurship and youth participation in nation-building. He remarked that thousands of young people are now looking towards innovation, education, sports and self-employment instead of uncertainty, adding that improved governance and transparency have increased public confidence in government institutions.
He further stated that the BJP-led Central Government has consistently focused on inclusive development, good governance and corruption-free administration. According to him, massive investments in infrastructure, expansion of railway connectivity, better highways, modern educational institutions and healthcare facilities reflect the Centre’s commitment to transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a prosperous and progressive region.
Referring to the significance of the day, Adv. Sharma said August 5 symbolizes the triumph of the Constitution of India and reinforces the principle of “One Nation, One Constitution.” He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the BJP leadership for taking what he described as a bold and historic decision in the national interest.
The BJP leader appealed to the people, particularly the youth, to contribute actively towards building a peaceful, progressive and self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir. He urged citizens to rise above divisive politics and work collectively for development, social harmony and national unity.
Adv. Sharma expressed confidence that Jammu and Kashmir would continue on the path of rapid growth and emerge as one of the country’s leading regions in tourism, education, investment and employment opportunities. He said the anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 serves as an occasion to reaffirm the collective commitment towards strengthening democracy, ensuring inclusive development and realizing the vision of a prosperous and vibrant Jammu and Kashmir within a strong and united India.