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New Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed on Monday stood by his controversial statement that Pakistan is helping restore democracy in Jammu and Kashmir even as his ally, the BJP, and the Centre distanced itself from it.
“Indian constitution allows democratic process in Jammu and Kashmir. Even Pakistan has understood that it is the only way to start democracy in the state,” Mufti said, adding, “The media is making a mountain out of mole hill about my statement.”
Mufti’s daughter and People’s Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti also defended her father in an exclusive interview with the Headlines Today. “My father has not said anything wrong on Jammu and Kashmir elections as during the Assembly elections, violence was less as compared to Parliament elections,” she said.
Sayeed, whose PDP has aligned with the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir, had said that the Hurriyat, militant outfits and “people from across the border” – an oblique reference to Pakistan – allowed conducive atmosphere for the state Assembly elections held late last year.
“I want to say this on record and I have told this to the Prime Minister that the we must credit the Hurriyat, militant outfits for the conduct of Assembly elections in the state,” Sayeed said during a press conference in Jammu after being sworn in as head of the PDP-BJP government at a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Earlier, Home Minister Rajnath Singh distanced the Modi government and the BJP from the controversial remarks made by Mufti shortly after his swearing-in on Sunday. “Our government and BJP fully dissociates with the statement of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed crediting Pakistan and Hurriyat for smooth conduct of assembly,” Rajnath said in the Lok Sabha.
“The credit for conducive environment for polls in Jammu and Kashmir goes to the Election Commission, our armed forces and people of Jammu and Kashmir,” the Home Minister said even as an agitated opposition demanded a statement from PM Modi on the matter.
“We want PM Narendra Modi to speak on matter in Parliament and condemn the statement given by Jammu and Kashmir chief minister so that a clear message can be given,” Congress Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge said. Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav backed that demand.
“Not exactly a terrific beginning for an unnatural marriage,” Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said. In Rajya Sabha too, there was a furore over Sayeed’s statement. Congress MP Shantaram Naik called Sayeed’s statement “anti-national” and alleged that among the 24 ministers sworn-in on Sunday, one was the brother of a Hurriyat leader and has a Pakistani wife.
