On Friday, Lok Sabha debutant and Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated BJP's stand on the contentious Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. After a two-day visit to Kashmir, Shah blamed India's first Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru for the crisis in the northernmost state. Separately, the Lower House also approved resolution seeking an extension of President's Rule in J&K by six months.

Article 370 A brief explanation of Article 370

Article 370 allows citizens of J&K to live under a separate set of laws, such as those relating to "citizenship, ownership of property, and fundamental rights". Due to Article 370, residents of other states can't purchase property in J&K. Further, the Centre can never declare a financial emergency in the state. Notably, scrapping Article 370 is one of the core ideologies of BJP.

Details Nehru should be blamed for Kashmir conflict, said Shah

Training guns at Nehru, Shah said the first PM didn't take Sardar Patel in confidence. Article 370 applies to only J&K, and Nehru handled that state after independence, reminded Shah. He added all elections which were held in J&K when Congress was in power were a "joke". "Whenever the Election Commission decides to have democratic elections in J&K, polls will be held," said Shah.

Statement Shah held Nehru responsible for terrorism in India

Shah went on to say that when infiltrators from Pakistan entered India, Nehru didn't flush them out, and slammed him for "giving away PoK". Congress leaders raised an objection at Shah's remarks prompting speaker Om Birla to intervene. But Shah remained undeterred. "Because of these mistakes, the country has become a victim of terrorism today. Why should not I take names," he went on.

Kashmiriyat We are not against common people of J&K: Shah

The chief of BJP also said the Centre is committed to saving "Kashmiriyat". "Some say there is an atmosphere of fear there. Those who are against India should have fear in their hearts. We are not part of tukde tukde gang. We are not against common people of J&K," Shah said. He added efforts are on to create jobs in the state.

Quote Shah revealed no civilians died in airstrikes and surgical strikes

Shah said Centre changed its approach towards terrorism and is taking steps to curb it. "Our government did air strike and surgical strike. The record should be clear before the public. No civilians were killed in these strikes," the number 2 in the government said.

Article 356 Will Congress teach us about democracy, asked Shah

On President's rule in J&K, Shah said Congress revoked Article 356, 93 out of 132 times. "They are saying we are trampling democracy in J&K. Now, these people will teach us democracy," asked Shah. Soon, former J&K Chief Minister and NC leader Omar Abdullah took to Twitter to slam Shah. He said this argument was unjustifiable and Centre was denying citizens their right.

Twitter Post Abdullah called Shah's argument unacceptable