Srinagar, Jul 01: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday criticized the newly launched Peoples Alliance for Change (PAC), accusing it of repeating the same demands for the restoration of Article 370 as the now-defunct Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD).
Speaking to reporters, BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur, as quoted by Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the PAC has failed to bring any fresh perspective to Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape. “People expected something new, but the alliance is recycling the same old slogans about Article 370 and statehood,” Thakur said.
Reiterating the BJP’s position, he asserted that Article 370 is “a closed chapter” and its restoration is not possible under any circumstances.
He clarified that while the BJP has no objection to political alliances functioning within the democratic system, it will strongly resist any group that undermines India’s unity and sovereignty.
“We welcome democratic formations, but no one will be allowed to speak against the country or question its territorial integrity,” he asserted.
The statement came a day after Peoples Conference, Justice & Development Front (reportedly backed by Jamaat-e-Islami), and Peoples Democratic Front came together to form PAC. The alliance has vowed to fight for the restoration of Article 370, Article 35A, and statehood for Jammu and Kashmir.
