The aim of restoring Bharat’s lost land, culture and glory is the one major point which has always separated BJP’s Bharat from Congress’s colonial hangover Kashmir has remained an integral part of strategic, political and emotional importance to Bharata. Article 370 was seen as a major bottleneck better to see as challenge in the political, cultural and psychological integration of the country. The present ruling party BJP has always seen it as a living sign of separatism. Cultural Nationalism which works for unification of Grand Indian Nation has always been the undercurrent for BJP’s agenda. The aim of restoring Bharat’s lost land, culture and glory is the one major point which has always separated BJP’s Bharat from Congress’s colonial hangover. With the abrogation of article 370 BJP has not only done great justice to its founding agenda but has also given the glimpse of Viksit Bharata which Prime Minister Modi is striving for! The current government relentlessly and assertively put the case of J&K on international forums and has brought a massive mandate in the favour of Bharat. It has given the strong message that present government is in no mood to compromise with the unity and sovereignty of the country. The words of Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerji m ‘Ek desh mein do nishan, do vidhan aur do pradhan nahin ho sakte (there cannot be two flags, two constitutions and two Prime Ministers in one country) have finally been made a reality that will surely witness the larger cultural unification of the country in long run. It has raised the diplomatic stature of Indian government along with the psychological advantage of BJP politics. In fact Abrogation of article 370 can be seen as a milestone for Modi’s New India and Viksit Bharat. Overthrowing the remarks of colonial legacy and firming the flag of nation’s selfesteem and unity high this move will surely demarcate the new journey for the people of J&K in particular and Indian in general. After its abrogation the benefits of social justice, reservation to OBC, displaced Kashmiri Pandits, Women rights will surely usher into new dawn of development for the J&K. After the removal of 370, Kashmir can take the advantage of BJP’s good governance agenda fully that will supply the fresh air to the stale and petrified lives of people of Jammu and Kashmir. It has made them realise that as a citizen of India every religion is equal in the eyes of law. No particular community can be denied its rights only for being minority or being prey to the policy of appeasement. That is why People of Kashmir have witnessed Moharram Procession in the valley after a long gap of 30 years. This has proved that abrogation of article 370 is not for one community but all people of J&K as a citizen of India will get its benefits. The opening of cinema halls, rise in national tourism and restart of shooting of movies in Kashmir will give new essence to J&K’s cultural and economic upliftment. The elections to rural local bodies will give a boost to grassroots level democracy in the country. The way Indian government has invested in Kashmir and brought international investment in the region further promised that development of J&K is major priory to current government. Though much has been done and a lot more has to be done, we must admit that abrogation of article 370 is a glimpse of Narendra Modi’s resolution for “Viksit Baharata” and sets the stage for a new journey of Indian politics and governance in the state.
Dr. Daisy Sharma is an Asst. Prof at Department of Public Administration, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur.