Bengaluru: A day after veteran Congress leader and former Union finance minister P Chidambaram made controversial remarks on “azaadi” and greater autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at the Congress saying the “Azaadi” remark was an insult to soldiers guarding innocent Kashmiris from terror in the strife-torn state.
Addressing BJP workers at HAL Airport in Bengaluru on Sunday, the Prime Minister, who was on a one-day visit to Karnataka, without naming Chidambaram, criticised Congress leaders for their “insensitive” and “shameless” statement on autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir.
“They are talking the language of separatists and pro-Pakistan elements. The Congress owes an explanation to the nation for its ‘Azaadi’ remark. How will our country progress with such people, who try to derive political mileage from sensitive issues? The true colours of the Congress have been revealed,” he said.
Continuing his tirade, Modi said, “I am surprised at the U-turn of Congress leaders who are now talking of autonomy for J&K. They were in power at the Centre for many years and they have the responsibility of ensuring internal security.
Veteran freedom fighter, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played a pivotal role in the unification of India. Our solders are guarding our motherland day and night and protecting innocent Kashmiris.
Many soldiers have laid down their lives for the sake of Kashmir. But the Congress which ruled the country ‘by accident’ for so many years, is now shamelessly talking of ‘Azaadi’ for J&K. They owe an explanation to citizens for their shameless statement.”
Retorting to Modi's criticism of his remarks on Jammu and Kashmir's autonomy, senior Chidambaram on Sunday said the Prime Minister was "imagining a ghost and attacking it" and maintained that those criticising him should first read his comments.
Chidambaram said it was obvious that the Prime Minister had not read the whole answer to the question put to him on Jammu and Kashmir at an event in Rajkot on Saturday.
"Those who criticise must read the whole answer and tell me which word in the answer was wrong. The PM is imagining a ghost and attacking it," he said.
Asked during an interaction in Rajkot whether he still felt that Jammu and Kashmir should be accorded greater autonomy to defuse the unrest in the valley, he said, "Yes...The demand in Kashmir Valley is to respect in letter and spirit Article 370. And that means that they want greater autonomy. My interactions in Jammu and Kashmir led me to the conclusion that when they ask for 'azadi', most people - I am not saying all - (an) overwhelming majority want autonomy."
"Therefore, I think we should seriously examine that question and consider on what areas we can give autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir," the former Union home minister said.
Observing that granting such autonomy will be "perfectly within the Constitution of India", Chidambaram said, "Jammu and Kashmir will remain an integral part of India but it will have larger powers as promised under Article 370 (of the Constitution)."
