Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 2: Senior BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Kavinder Gupta today came down heavily on PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti, terming her latest overture on the Kashmiri Pandit (KP) issue as nothing more than a “well-scripted drama to stay politically relevant.”
Reacting to Mehbooba’s so-called roadmap for the dignified return and rehabilitation of displaced Kashmiri Pandits, the senior BJP leader said, “It is ironic that the same Mehbooba Mufti, who oversaw the total marginalization of the Pandit community during her tenure as Chief Minister, is now shedding crocodile tears for their plight. Her words today are hollow, insincere, and aimed solely at regaining lost political ground.”
Kavinder questioned the timing of her sudden concern, saying, “Where was this empathy when her Government failed to provide even basic safety to the few KPs who had returned under various Government schemes? Her alliance with separatist sympathizers and soft approach to radical elements directly contributed to the insecurity of the Pandit community.”
He further criticized the PDP’s double standards, asserting that Mehbooba’s party has a long history of appeasing forces that have consistently resisted the return of Kashmiri Pandits. “You cannot claim to advocate for the community while simultaneously cozying up to those responsible for their exodus and continued alienation,” he said.
Calling her proposal a “publicity stunt with no moral standing,” Kavinder said the Central Government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has already taken historic steps towards Pandit rehabilitation with sincerity and action – not through photo ops and press statements.
Meanwhile, senior BJP leader and former Minister, Bali Bhagat has accused Mehbooba Mufti of adopting a pro-terrorist stance and trying to revive political relevance by sympathizing with anti-national elements.
He lashed out at Mehbooba for advocating the release of individuals involved in anti-social and anti-national activities. “Your political base in the Valley has eroded. Showing sympathy towards terrorists will not bring you back into power. People of Kashmir remember what happened under your rule – how many pellets were fired and how many youth lost their lives,” he reminded.
Referring to the recent massacre of tourists in Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam, he said, “The entire Valley is mourning and protesting this Pakistan-sponsored attack. Kashmiris know that thousands of families depend on tourism for their livelihood. Such cowardly acts have snatched away their means of sustenance.”
Bali Bhagat called on all political parties to stand united against terrorism and support the Government’s efforts to restore normalcy. “No political gain is greater than the safety and future of our youth and the peace of our land,” he added.
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