The BJP had been opposing Article 370 because it had given a special status to the state of J&K. The article had been inserted as a temporary measure in the Constitution. Instead of giving special status to any state, we want to treat all states on an equal footing.

The jurisdiction of the Supreme Court had now been extended to J&K and Article 356 was applicable to it. That was why Article 370 was no more so important, even though it continued to be viewed as a 'psychological barrier". The question of autonomy had to be decided not in the context of J&K alone, but in an all- India context ... We have not much to discuss on Kashmir (with Pakistan). The only point which requires settling is that one-third of Kashmir which Pakistan continues to occupy.                        (Source: The Times of India, 8 January, 1998)