Politician · policy

Narendra Modi on Abrogation of Article 370

Strong advocate for repeal (strong)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly supports the abrogation of Article 370, viewing it as a necessary step for the progress and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. He asserted that the move brought the Constitution of India into full effect in the region, addressing long-standing deprivations for women, youth, and marginalized communities. Modi has consistently framed the removal of the special status as historic, which ended an era of separatism, nepotism, and corruption perpetuated by the previous constitutional arrangement.

Context

As Prime Minister, Narendra Modi oversaw the revocation of Article 370 shortly after returning to power in 2019. This action was one of three key moves the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent organization of the BJP, had long called for, aligning his government's actions with his party's core agenda. The abrogation was immediately followed by a regional lockdown and suspension of internet services, underscoring the high political significance of the constitutional change.

Actions Taken

  1. Legislation/Constitutional Change
    The Central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, repealed Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, effectively ending the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcating the state into two Union Territories – Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Key Quotes

Today we mark 5 years since the Parliament of India decided to abrogate Articles 370 and 35(A), a watershed moment in our nation's history. It was the start of a new era of progress and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

Social media post on X August 5, 2024 — Recalling the fifth anniversary of the abrogation.

Article 370 and 35(A) gave only separatism, nepotism and corruption to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”

Televised address to the Nation August 8, 2019 — First discussion after the abrogation of Article 370.

With abrogation came security, dignity and opportunity for the women, youth, backward, tribal and marginalised communities who were deprived of the fruits of development.

Social media post on X August 5, 2024 — Recalling the benefits of the abrogation on its fifth anniversary.

Broke wall of Article 370, accepted mantra of 'One Nation, One Constitution'”,

Independence Day address August 15, 2025 — Hailing the abrogation in an Independence Day speech.

Criticism

Opposing Political Parties/Critics

The move to scrap the special provisions was met with widespread protests, which were later halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Critics voiced concerns over the sudden constitutional change and subsequent security measures.