opposition-claims-j-k-administration-acted-as-bjp-supporters-during-pm-s-rally

Opposition leaders in Kashmir lambasted the Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory Administration on Wednesday, alleging it functioned as campaigners for the BJP at a recent Prime Minister's rally. They claim that the administration forced government employees to prioritise attendance at the event.

 

The rally was heavily criticised by prominent political figures who condemned the J&K administration for behaving like BJP activists, particularly in the manner attendees were marshalled for the Prime Minister's gathering.

 

Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, in a social media video, claimed how government employees were coerced into boarding buses at the Budgam bus terminal in the early hours, under freezing conditions, and transported to the rally site.

 

Mufti voiced her dismay at the forced mobilisation of employees to falsely depict a sense of normalcy and celebration post-2019, which she views as a period of disempowerment and humiliation for the local populace.

 

She contrasted this with the visits of former Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Dr. Manmohan Singh during the peak of militancy in the region, which were met with genuine enthusiasm and optimism. 

 

Mufti criticised the rally's agenda, aimed at underscoring the supposed benefits of the controversial revocation of Article 370, as insensitive to the sentiments of Kashmiris. She stated that the visit was primarily aimed at consolidating BJP's electoral base ahead of the forthcoming parliamentary elections.

 

M.Y. Tarigami, a former minister and CPI (M) leader, accused the UT administration of acting akin to BJP campaigners, emphasising the detrimental impact of coercing employees and others to attend the rally on the relationship between Kashmir and Delhi.

 

He commented on the BJP's dependence on administrative assistance to organise the rally, implying a lack of genuine support.

 

The National Conference Vice President reiterated these sentiments, stating that attendees were compelled to the event against their will, with threats of disciplinary actions against those who abstained.

 

He highlighted the commandeering of buses from private schools for transport to the rally and mentioned possessing detailed lists of those instructed to attend, criticising the portrayal of the situation by the mainstream media and contrasting it with the ground reality in what is termed the "New J&K".