Those opposing abrogation of Article 370 should spell out how it had benefited Jammu and Kashmir, BJP president Rajnath Singh said and favoured a debate on the constitutional provision that grants special status to the State.
“Our stand is that because of this [Article 370], Jammu and Kashmir has not benefited at all. Had it benefited, had it helped in reduction of poverty, then we would welcome it. But this has not happened,” Mr. Singh told PTI in an interview.
In its poll manifesto , the party has said: “The BJP reiterates its stand on the Article 370 and will discuss this with all stakeholders and remains committed to the abrogation of this Article.” If the NDA comes to power, the BJP chief said, there would be quest for friendly ties with expectation of reciprocity.
“Pakistan is our neighbour. We will want to have good relations with it and all other neighbours. We also expect Pakistan to have good relations with India,” he said.-
