Srinagar, Sept 17: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national general secretary Tarun Chugh on Tuesday condemned National Conference (NC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah for promoting what he termed a “jihadi agenda” in Jammu & Kashmir, at a time when the people desire peace and prosperity in the Union Territory.
Addressing an election meeting, Chugh, who is also the BJP in-charge for J&K, accused the Abdullah family of following a “jihadi and communal” agenda over three generations and spreading insecurity and uncertainty in the region.
He criticised the NC’s election manifesto, which proposed renaming Shankaracharya Hill as Takht-e-Sulaiman and Hari Parbat as Koh-e-Maran. “This exemplified the Abdullah family’s ‘jihadi’ mindset to destroying the cultural and spiritual heritage of the region,” he said.
The BJP leader said over two dozen historic temples, built since the era of Lalitaditya, hold national significance. “These temples are revered not only by the people of the valley but by devotees across India. During Abdullahs’ rule, no steps were taken to protect these sites. Instead, this family seems bent on destroying them, following directives from their mentors across the border,” he said.
Chugh also criticised Dr Farooq’s promise to release prisoners detained for their subversive activities, calling it part of the “jihadi” agenda. He further condemned the NC’s pledge to repeal the Public Safety Act (PSA) and release political prisoners. “The BJP strongly opposes these measures,” he said.
