As the Union Cabinet approved the proposal to fulfill the right-wing dream of stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its special status, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told his team that they should not engage in "chest-thumping" over the issue, an Indian Express report quoted internal sources as saying.
According to the report, PM Modi also said that this is the time when the actual heavy-lifting starts. "It is a big day for the country. We should demonstrate foresight and statesmanship to take everyone along on this," The Indian Express quoted its source as saying on Monday, 5 August, before Home Minister Amit Shah presented the proposal to the Rajya Sabha.
The party insider told the daily that everyone clapped and congratulated when the proposal was presented.
The Indian Express reported that Prime Minister Modi urged all his ministers to consider the decision as a correction of a historic blunder instead of a triumphant win. PM Modi also reminded his ministers that they should be aware of the repercussions of the decision and its effect on a section of the society.
The message from PM Modi and Amit Shah came after the J&K Reorganisation Bill was cleared by both Houses of the Parliament.
(With inputs from The Indian Express)
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