BJP, Cong defend Himachal land law; say no comparison with Article 370, 35A

Both the Congress and the BJP on Tuesday defended a Himachal Pradesh law that places restrictions on buying land in the state, saying there is no comparison with the provisions under Articles 370 and 35A that stopped outsiders from owning property in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Centre on Monday revoked the special status enjoyed by Jammu and Kashmir over a range of subjects under the two Acts. But restrictions, mostly under Article 371, on buying land and property by outsiders in a few other states remain.

Himachal Pradesh minister Suresh Bhardwaj said those opposing the revocation of J&K's special status are spreading misinformation about the Himachal law.

Section 118 of Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reforms Act, 1972 is entirely different from the now scrapped provisions in Article 370 and Article 35A, he said.

First of all, let me make it clear that this section applies to all non-agriculturists, whether they are Himachalis or non-Himachalis, he told PTI.

Anybody can buy a flat