Shadow Correspondent
Jammu, Mar, 25
Expressing dismay over the BJP criticizing NPP for having shared stage with NC and other political parties on its foundation day, Mr. Harsh Dev Singh Chairman JKNPP and former Minister advised the saffron party to give a peep into its own dirty laundry before raising fingers against others. “The NPP is proud to have brought people of different hues and colours on one stage on 23rd March, the Martyrs’ day to pay homage to national heroes including S. Bhagat Singh, Raj Guru and Sukhdev who made the supreme sacrifice in the freedom movement of the country. It is rather a matter of shame that the BJP instead of appreciating the nationalist and patriotic fervour displayed by different parties and speakers on the occasion, has chosen to target the Panthers Party only to settle its political scores and out of share frustration, asserted Mr. Singh. He was addressing several public meetings in Bassi, Marta, Dobad in Ramnagar constituency today.
“It’s interesting to note the BJP’s newly found hatred for NC and PDP with whom it had been sharing the fruits of power. The BJP spokesperson must remember that BJP is still enjoying a coalition with NC in Kargil in the existing Hill Development Council. It has refused to withdraw support to NC with whom it is acting as junior partner in Kargil. Not long back it had embraced the NC President’s son and made him a Minister in the Union Govt headed by AB Vajpayee. And now wherever they seem to be of no use to BJP, its leadership would like them to be treated as untouchables howsoever supportive they might be of the Indian nationalism”, agued Mr. Singh.
“May I then remind the BJP of its extremely shameless conduct and its servile posturing during its 3½ year alliance with PDP in which it worked as its junior partner. It was the same BJP which vowed to demolish the PDP (father-daughter party) in 2014 elections describing it as a threat to national security. And what did it do after winning 25 seats from Jammu region? Those described as “monsters” were embraced as partners, albeit, senior partners.
And what is worse, the BJP throughout the coalition rule continued to play a second fiddle role promoting and fulfilling the political agenda laid down by the PDP.
The cause of Jammu was not only conveniently sidelined by BJP under the smokescreen of political compulsion, a euphemism for selfish marriage of convenience, but the dogra pride and honour was given the deadliest blow only to remain glued to power. Around 11,000 stone-pelters, who were earlier dubbed as anti-nationals by BJP, were not only released during saffron rule but policies for their rehabilitation were announced with great fan fare. FIRs were lodged against Army and anti-nationals and militants were described as ‘brothers’ and ‘martyrs’ by a govt in which BJP was a partner. Unilateral ceasefire was announced to placate the anti nationals merely for political gains. Pro Pak slogans were raised in the Assembly with BJP acquiescing in the act as no action whatsoever was taken against such anti national utterances that happened right under the nose of entire BJP leadership. And as per today’s news, the APHC and anti nationals were being funded by a govt in which BJP was a partner”, rued Mr. Singh.
“And while Jammu region which had voted overwhelmingly for BJP in Assembly and Parliament expected a fair deal for the dogra land, it was robbed of even its existing share in development and employment. As soon as the BJP and PDP joined hands to form govt, a nasty CMP was announced wherein the saffron party gave formal recognition to ‘Pir Panjal’ and ‘Chenab Valley’ region as the said names were officially used in the Agenda of Alliance of the said partners. Service tax was imposed on chopper service to Mata Vaishno Devi. CBI enquiry in Rasana case was refused despite it being the most coveted demand of dogra land. And Maharaja Hari Singh was dishonoured”, deplored Mr. Singh. He called upon the BJP to go for self introspection before delivering homilies to others.
The fact of the matter is that the BJP feels threatened by the growing popularity of NPP. The Panthers Party had opposed the PAGD at a time when one of its constituents had passed objectionable comments against National Flag. And the very same party had not only withdrawn its comments but had now planted the National Flag over its office complex and elsewhere. This is what the NPP has ensured. Now who is the real ‘chameleon’, the BJP must itself confess, roared Mr. Singh adding that the saffron party criticizing Panthers only proved that NPP has become a force to reckon with.
