The Union government on Monday tabled a resolution in the Rajya Sabha to do away with Article 370 of the Constitution, the provision that grants Jammu and Kashmir its special status. The move drew a sharply divided response from political parties in the House.

What Amit Shah proposed

Home Minister Amit Shah told the Rajya Sabha that Ladakh would become a union territory without a legislature, whereas Jammu and Kashmir, also to become a union territory, would get its own legislature, similar to Delhi.

Support and opposition

The AIADMK, the Aam Aadmi Party and the Shiv Sena welcomed the decision. Yuva Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray called it a “moment of pride” and a “historic day” for India. The BJD also backed the move, while the BJP’s ally, the Janata Dal (United), said it would boycott.

Members of the Congress, the Trinamool Congress and the DMK sat on the floor of the House in protest as soon as Shah made his announcement. One PDP member tore his clothes and, together with another PDP member, ripped up copies of the Constitution. The House was presided over by Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu, and there were calls for the two members to be physically removed.

What happened next

Parliament ended Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under Article 370 on 5-6 August 2019, and the state was reorganised into two union territories.

See also: election news

Originally published on 5 August 2019. Rewritten on 9 October 2026.

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