New Delhi: The question of whether the INDIA coalition can reverse the Supreme Court’s recent verdict upholding the abrogation of Article 370 is raising significant concerns among political analysts. This potential reversal would require a constitutional amendment, demanding a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament.
Despite the INDIA coalition potentially coming to power after the upcoming elections, achieving a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha seems challenging. The recent Supreme Court decision has created a contentious environment, particularly among the coalition’s partners from Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), who are advocating for a unified stance against the abrogation.
Should the INDIA coalition choose not to seek a review of the verdict, it may still face pressure to commit to restoring the pre-2019 status of J&K. However, this poses complications, given the sensitive nature of Hindutva politics and its impact on the electorate in northern India.
Political factions within the coalition may find themselves divided, especially when balancing historical commitments to Article 370 with practical governance issues tied to national security and local sentiments. Any proposal to reverse the abrogation would likely provoke debate within the coalition, making it difficult to present a united front ahead of crucial seat-sharing discussions scheduled for December 19.
In a broader context, the current political landscape indicates that while the BJP may have solidified its position, the INDIA coalition must navigate a complex web of ideological and electoral considerations if it wishes to challenge the status quo.
Restoring Article 370 would require not only legislative support but also a shift in public opinion. The Supreme Court’s ruling characterized Article 370 as a “transitional provision,” complicating any attempts to reinstate the J&K Constitution.
Moreover, any movement toward re-merging the Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh would necessitate a simple majority in Parliament, a more attainable goal than a constitutional amendment. Yet, the political ramifications of such actions remain uncertain.
As the elections approach, the INDIA coalition must carefully strategize to address the Kashmir issue while maintaining cohesion among its diverse members, making the path ahead both challenging and pivotal for India’s political future.