Discontent brewing within the BJP due to the “guarded silence” being maintained by party ministers on Article 35A came to the fore during the core committee meeting when some members gave vent to their anger against the “defensive” approach of the party on the issue.
The core committee meeting, held on Saturday evening, was attended by senior leaders, including two Cabinet ministers of the coalition.
One member of the core committee, who wished not to be quoted, said members expressed their anger over the submissive approach being adopted by party ministers in the coalition. “Keeping silent on the issue by saying the matter is sub judice is not going down well among party workers and supporters. Like PDP and NC leaders, we have to clear our stand before the people,” he said.
Committee members said Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti was on a mission to protect Article 35A while the National Conference leadership was repeatedly issuing warnings on the issue. However, BJP ministers were on a defensive mode, they said. “Why are our ministers hesitating in clearing their stand?” he asked, adding, “when PDP leaders, including ministers, are openly supporting Article 35A, there is no reason for BJP ministers to remain silent.”
Sources said core committee members made it clear that workers and supporters of the party would not forgive the leadership if any compromise was struck on the emotive issue.
Meanwhile, BJP’s arch-rival in Jammu, the Panthers Party, has started a campaign to expose the saffron party for adopting “double standards” on the issue. “If the Kashmir-centric parties are united on Article 35A why is the BJP shying away from garnering support of Jammu-based parties,” said a Panthers Party leader.
BJP ministers under fire over silence on Article 35A
