Union Minister Giriraj Singh, known for his staunch Hindutva stance, ruled out any possibility of restoring Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir during an interview on ‘Aap Ki Adalat’ on India TV, telecast on October 12, 2024.

According to a press release from India TV, Singh declared that even if National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah and Congress’s Rahul Gandhi “offer Namaaz at the top of their voice every morning,” Article 370, which was abrogated in August 2019, will not be reinstated.

Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for bringing peace and development to the Kashmir Valley post-Article 370’s removal. He expressed disappointment over Muslim voters in the region not voting for the BJP, despite the government’s efforts to improve the situation in Kashmir, highlighting Modi’s role in removing stone-throwing incidents and enabling free movement in once-volatile areas like Lal Chowk.

Singh emphasized that the BJP has made efforts to win over Muslim voters, but they have consistently refrained from supporting the party. When asked how the government could win their hearts, Singh responded humorously, referencing Hanuman Ji and saying, “Even if I do their ‘aarti,’ they don’t vote for me.”

He further asserted that 99 percent of arrested terrorists are Muslims, but clarified that he does not believe all Muslims are terrorists. Singh suggested that madarsas and mosques are being used to encourage terrorism, alleging an increase in their numbers since 1947.

Reiterating his belief that India, post-Partition, is a land for Hindus, Singh emphasized that had Muslims been sent to Pakistan during Partition, many current issues, such as Waqf Board disputes and radicalism, would not exist. He criticized Congress, Farooq Abdullah, and Mehbooba Mufti for encouraging disruptive elements and stated that the BJP will continue its work in Kashmir despite challenges.

Singh also took aim at the Congress, particularly Rahul Gandhi, calling him a “fool” for celebrating his party’s limited success in the Lok Sabha elections, where it secured less than 100 seats. He mocked Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s statement that he would not rest until removing Modi from power, wishing him a long life and comparing his wait to Bhishma Pitamah’s prolonged survival.

Singh’s remarks, filled with sharp criticism of opposition parties and strong support for Modi’s policies, reflect the BJP’s continued commitment to its stance on national security and Kashmir’s future under its rule.