How a modified NC slogan on Article 370 has put BJP in a spot in J&K
Nine party leaders have been removed them from their organisational posts for allegedly organising and participating in an unauthorised Tiranga rally in south Kashmir
The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has suspended the primary membership of nine party leaders, including a district general secretary, and removed them from their organisational posts for allegedly organising and participating in an unauthorised Tiranga rally in south Kashmir where allegedly derogatory slogans targeting women triggered widespread outrage.
In a statement, the BJP’s Kashmir unit said the disciplinary action followed the August 5 rally held at Housing Colony, Khanabal in Anantnag.
“J&K BJP has suspended the party membership of nine members and removed them from their posts for allegedly organising and participating in an unauthorised Tiranga rally at Housing Colony, Khanabal, Anantnag, on August 5,” the party said.
According to an order issued by the BJP’s Anantnag district unit, the rally was neither organised nor authorised by the district unit, nor had the organisers obtained the requisite permission from the district administration.
The party also took serious note of the “objectionable and derogatory” remarks allegedly made against “our mothers and sisters” during the rally.
“Such conduct is wholly unacceptable and is against the values, discipline, dignity and principles of the BJP,” the order said.
Following detailed deliberations, the district unit unanimously decided to initiate disciplinary action against those found responsible for organising and participating in the rally. “Pending further inquiry, the following office-bearers are removed from all party posts and responsibilities with immediate effect, and their primary membership of the Bharatiya Janata Party stands suspended until further orders,” the order added.
On Thursday, the BJP had distanced itself from the slogans, saying the remarks neither represented the party’s ideology nor reflected the official stand of its leadership.
During the August 5 rally, BJP workers, in the presence of a senior party leader, allegedly raised the slogan, “Moklev Fazi hund te Azi hund izat” (the honour of Fazi and Azi has ended). The slogan was a modified version of an earlier political slogan, “Azi hund izat te Fazi hund izat 370...” (the honour of Azi and Fazi is Article 370). Azi and Fazi are common Kashmiri women’s names.
The video of the rally drew widespread criticism on social media and prompted condemnation from political leaders.
J&K Cabinet Minister Sakina Itoo termed the slogans “an insult not only to political discourse but also to the dignity of our Kashmiri mothers and sisters.” She demanded registration of an FIR against those responsible and called for legal as well as disciplinary action.
“Accountability cannot be selective, and respect for the dignity of women must be upheld through action, not merely words,” Itoo had said.
