Jammu, March 21: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Deputy Chief Minister, Kavinder Gupta strongly condemned the recent statement of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Mehraj Malik, terming it as a “cheap public stunt” aimed at garnering attention.
Kavinder expressed deep concern over the communal undertones of Malik’s comments, emphasizing that such rhetoric is detrimental to the unity and integrity of the nation. He questioned Malik’s selective outrage, pointing out the MLA’s conspicuous silence on critical issues affecting Jammu and Kashmir. “It is perplexing that Malik chooses to make baseless statements targeting a particular community while remaining mute on Pakistan’s continuous export of terrorism to our region, which has claimed countless lives across Hindu, Muslim, and other communities,” he remarked.
Highlighting Malik’s inexperience, Gupta noted, “Having won the Assembly elections for the first time, Malik seems ignorant of the true purpose of the Budget session. It’s a platform to address the people’s issues, not to further his own divisive politics.” He emphasized that the Assembly is a “temple of democracy” where elected members are expected to uphold the principles of unity and work towards the welfare of all constituents.
Highlighting the grave threat posed by narco-terrorism, Kavinder criticized Malik for not addressing Pakistan’s role in this menace. He underscored that the influx of narcotics not only funds terrorist activities but also aims to destabilize the youth and societal fabric of Jammu and Kashmir. “Selective commentary that overlooks such pressing threats exposes a concerning bias and raises questions about the true intent behind Malik’s statements,” Gupta added.
The senior BJP leader called upon the public to exercise caution and remain vigilant against individuals and groups attempting to sow discord within society. He stressed the importance of unity and collective resilience in thwarting efforts aimed at dividing communities along religious or other lines.
Later, addressing a gathering of BJP party workers, Kavinder emphasized the need for grassroots engagement, especially with the anticipated announcement of Panchayat and urban local body elections. He urged party members to actively connect with the populace, disseminate information about the BJP’s developmental initiatives, and reinforce the party’s commitment to transforming Jammu and Kashmir.
The former Deputy Chief Minister reiterated BJP’s unwavering commitment to social justice and equitable socio-economic development. He encouraged party workers to serve as ambassadors of the party’s vision, ensuring that the benefits of government schemes and policies reach every corner of Jammu and Kashmir.
