Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu today said that the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was not a political issue but a national one.

Interacting with eminent citizens in Vijayawada at a meet and greet programme, he said, it was the need of the hour and it was long overdue. He further said, abrogation of article 370 is good for the country though there could be some temporary issues and it is not a political issue but a national one.

Recalling the anxious state he felt at the time of introduction of the Bill in Rajya Sabha, he said, he burnt the midnight oil over the rules and only wished there was debate, discussion and decorum in the House.

The Vice President said, while 110 laws made by Parliament were applicable across the country only Jammu & Kashmir was exempt from it.