The newly sworn-in Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, credited “separatists” and “outsiders” for peaceful elections in the State, but almost all the political parties lashed out saying the statement was “most unfortunate” and “mocks the overwhelming public mandate.” The BJP, however, said that the peaceful conduct of elections in the State was due to the efforts of the Election Commission, the Army and those who believed in the Indian Constitution. 

Congress leader and spokesman Randeep Singh Surjewala said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP must answer whether they stand by “such unflinching support for Pakistan, the Hurriyat and militants.” “With one stroke, the BJP-PDP alliance has taken away the credit from people of Jammu and Kashmir for participating in the historic poll and from the Election Commission and security agencies for conducting them,” he said.

Refuting Mufti’s statement, BJP said, the focus of the government would be on peace, rehabilitation of flood-affected people and full development of all the three regions of Jammu and Kashmir. 

Taking the opportunity to discredit BJP and PDP, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said “This is totally untrue. How can the new government forget the killing of sarpanchs and suicide attack at an Army camp in Uri in which many Army officers lost their lives?” “In fact, Pakistan and militant groups tried their best to destabilise the democratic process in the State. It is the people of the State who strengthened the roots of democracy and the newly cobbled together alliance should refrain from extending credit in the wrong direction,” he told.

By Premji