BJP: Mehbooba’s words are politically incorrect – Daily Pioneer

After J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Friday triggered a row with her observations over 'Indian flag' her alliance partners in the State, Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP), Saturday tried to set the record straight by claiming that the statement of the Chief Minister was not happily worded as bearing national flag in the State is an honour for all citizens.

"Statement of Chief Minister of J&K on Article 35 (A) doesn't depict true picture and is politically incorrect. Every person of the State is first an Indian and then a State subject and nationalism of the people of the State can't be understated or misstated by linking it with continuation of Art 35 A, the State unit of the BJP said in a written statement.

Participating in a discussion in New Delhi Understanding Kashmir a composite dialogue on peace, stability and a way forward, Mehbooba Mufti had warned that any change in Article 35(A) of the Constitution, which gives a special State provision to Jammu & Kashmir and is being debated in the Supreme Court would not be in favour of the people living in the Valley and would invite repercussions.

Article 35(A) of the Constitution empowers the state legislature to define permanent residents and accord special rights and privileges to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

"Any tampering with Article 35(A) won't be acceptable. I won't hesitate in saying that nobody will even carry the corpse of the National Flag in Kashmir, if it happens.

However, to avoid flare up of tensions between the alliance partners at this crucial juncture the State BJP spokesman said their party stands by Agenda of Alliance and won't seek alteration of existing Constitutional position, but it is equally true that Article 35(A) has created more harm to the State than any other provision of law.

At the same time the BJP spokesman while questioning the statement of the Chief Minister said that few thousands of terrorists and separatists who are raising a revolt against the country and causing disturbances in the Valley, at the behest of Pakistan, ISI and ISIS does constitute the Kashmir Valley and Jammu & Kashmir State is not Kashmir Valley alone; the State constitutes Jammu and Ladakh also and Kashmir merely constitutes its 16 per cent area.

"The majority of the population in Jammu & Kashmir are nationalists and committed to uphold the integrity of the country and believe that their interests and aspirations are safe as being Indians, the BJP spokesman said.

Meanwhile, reacting to the statement of Mehbooba Mufti Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee spokesman Ravinder Sharma said that no one has right to insult the National Flag as great sacrifices and nations honour and pride is attached to it.

Congress spokesman also questioned the BJP to explain what kind of freedom of idea is being advocated by their coalition partner and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and said that she has lost right to continue in office.

The National Panthers Party (NPP) said Jammu &Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti's remark on the Indian flag is unacceptable and amounts to violation of the Indian Constitution. "Does she even know what 35 (A) is? It was not created by the Parliament. It was an amendment made in 1954 by the then President of India on the recommendation of then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru," NPP leader Bhim Singh said.

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BJP: Mehbooba's words are politically incorrect - Daily Pioneer