Amit Shah: “Even Indira Gandhi Can’t Bring Back Article 370” in Strong Congress Critique

Mumbai, 14th November 2024: Amit Shah unleashed a scathing critique of the Congress on Wednesday, targeting multiple generations of the Gandhi family over issues like Article 370, reservations for Muslims, and the Ram Temple. Reaffirming the BJP’s stance on Jammu & Kashmir’s special status, the Home Minister declared that even if “Indira Gandhi returned from heaven,” Article 370 would not be reinstated.

Addressing the topic of Muslim reservations, Shah asserted that no provision would be made for minority reservations, even if “four generations” of Rahul Gandhi demanded it. Responding to remarks from Congress leader and former Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde, who had expressed fear over visiting Lal Chowk, Shah countered, “Go with your grandkids now; you will be safe,” citing recent clashes between security forces and militants in the region.

In Maharashtra, Shah addressed recent demands from the Umela group for Muslim reservations, calling out Congress for considering it. He warned that any attempt to provide reservations for Muslims would require reducing existing quotas for SCs, STs, and OBCs, adding, “Rahul Baba, neither you nor even four of your generations could alter SC-ST-OBC reservations to benefit Muslims.” Shah also aimed at Rahul Gandhi, predicting yet another electoral defeat for the Congress in Maharashtra.

In a pointed remark, Shah addressed Sonia Gandhi, saying, “Sonia ji, your ‘Rahul aircraft’ is set to crash again in the Maharashtra Assembly elections.” Meanwhile, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah clarified earlier that no action had been taken on a proposed 4% Muslim reservation in public works contracts.

Shah also condemned Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray for aligning with those who “label Hindus as terrorists.” He questioned Thackeray’s partnership with allies who had opposed renaming Aurangabad as Sambhaji Nagar, construction of the Ram Temple, abolishing Article 370, and triple talaq.

Regarding opposition to the Waqf Bill, Shah criticized Rahul Gandhi and Sharad Pawar for their resistance, stating, “While ancient temples, farmers’ lands, and people’s homes have been classified as Waqf property, we have introduced a bill to amend the Waqf Act. Rahul Baba, Pawar Sahab, know this—PM Modi is committed to amending the Waqf Act.”