BJP 'disassociates' itself from Mufti remarks

The Indian Government and the BJP yesterday "totally disassociated" itself from Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's statement crediting "separatists" and "outsiders" for the peaceful conduct of elections in the State. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh also denied Sayeed's claim that he had discussed this with the Prime Minister.

"Our government and party totally disassociates itself from the Chief Minister's statement,'' Singh informed the Lok Sabha when the issue was raised by Congress member K C Venugopal during Zero Hour. He echoed the Opposition's assertion that credit for the smooth conduct of the polls and wide participation of the people in the electoral process should go to the people of the State, the Election Commission of India and the security forces.

To the Opposition demand that a clarification be made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Home Minister said he was making this statement after consulting him. The Opposition also demanded a resolution condemning the statement and a clarification from Modi since Sayeed is on record stating that he had communicated his view to the Prime Minister.

Meanwhile, Sayeed yesterday strongly defended his remark crediting Pakistan, Hurriyat and militants for the conduct of peaceful assembly polls in the state.

"What I have said, I have said, will stand by that," Sayeed said yesterday, blaming the media for making a mountain out of a molehill.

"Pakistan, Hurriyat recognized the institution of democracy in India, they did not interfere as they used to," Sayeed told reporters after his remarks raised a storm in Parliament.