In a significant address to the Rajya Sabha, Union Home Minister Amit Shah provided a comprehensive update on the aftermath of Article 370's abrogation, focusing on the J&K Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the J&K Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023. The minister passionately reiterated India's unwavering stance on Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK), asserting its integral connection to India and resistance to external claims.
Shah emphasized the BJP's commitment to safeguarding every inch of Indian land, particularly dismissing any potential concessions regarding PoK. He revealed the increase in reserved seats in PoK, stating unequivocally, "Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir is ours, and no one can take it from us."
Addressing the electoral landscape changes in Jammu and Kashmir, Shah delved into the modifications introduced by the new delimitation commission. He highlighted the increase in the number of seats, shedding light on the region's significance within the Indian territory.
"Earlier there were 37 seats in Jammu; now, after the new delimitation commission, there are 43 seats. Earlier, there were 46 in Kashmir; now, there are 47, and in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir, 24 seats have been reserved since we assert PoK is ours," Shah elaborated.
The home minister provided a comprehensive overview of the region's transformation post-Article 370's removal, citing remarkable statistics. He mentioned a substantial surge in tourism, with 2 crore tourists visiting Kashmir, and a significant boost to the entertainment industry, hosting 100 film shoots. Furthermore, he detailed the electoral changes brought about by the delimitation commission, underscoring the significance of these modifications within the democratic framework.
Shah's address provided a holistic perspective on the developments in Jammu and Kashmir, reflecting on the multifaceted impact of the government's decisions in the region.