Jammu, Dec 03: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Dr Abhijeet Jasrotia has strongly criticised former chief ministers – Dr Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti – for their “divisive politics” and “failure” to uphold secular values during “critical moments” in Kashmir’s history.
Highlighting the “ethnic cleansing” of Kashmiri Pandits in the early 1990s and the 2003 Nadimarg massacre, Dr Jasrotia accused these leaders of prioritising political gains over justice and failing to protect innocent lives. “During these dark chapters, the leadership remained silent while the rights and safety of minorities were trampled,” he said.
Referring to the 2008 Amarnath land row, the BJP spokesperson questioned Mehbooba Mufti’s “refusal” to comply with High Court orders and the political unrest that ensued. “Their version of secularism conveniently ignored the plight of those affected by their policies,” he remarked.
He contrasted this with the BJP-led government’s “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” initiative, which has brought inclusive development, benefiting all communities equally. “From lifting 25 crore people out of poverty to ensuring equal benefits for Geeta Devi and Salma Begum, this government has shown that true secularism lies in unity and progress,” he said.
Dr Jasrotia called on the public to reject divisive politics and recognise those genuinely working for peace, harmony and development in the region.