Remark on Article 370 ‘misunderstood’: Jitendra Singh embarrasses Modi

New Delhi: Hours after stoking a political debate on the controversial Article 370, union minister of state in the Prime Minister's Office and the department of personnel and training (DoPT) Jitendra Singh apologised for his remarks and said that he had been "misquoted," and that the entire controversy was "baseless."

"I seek to clarify that the reports in the media about my statement on Article 370 are misquoted. I have never said anything quoting the Honourable Prime Minister. The controversy is totally baseless," he said in a statement tonight.

The Narendra Modi government on Tuesday reiterated that it was open to a debate on the revocation of Article 370 that gives Jammu and Kashmir special status.

PMO minister of state Jitendra Singh said Tuesday efforts would be made to “convince” the “unconvinced”, adding, “If we do not have a debate and discussion, how would you be able to tell those unable to understand what they have been deprived of on account of Article 370.”

Mr Singh’s remarks drew a sharp reaction from Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

He said “talk of revocation of Article 370 is not just ill-informed, it’s irresponsible”. He added that Article 370 was the “only constitutional link” between the state and the rest of the country.