New Delhi: In heated scenes witnessed in Lok Sabha, the Opposition lambasted Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed for giving credit to Pakistan, Hurriyat and militants for the smooth conduct of elections in the state. Entering into a damage control mode, the government and the BJP made a statement "fully disassociating" themselves with the controversial statement.
During Zero Hour, an angry Opposition also demanded a resolution to be adopted by the House condemning the statement of Sayeed at a press conference in Jammu on Sunday, soon after he took oath of office and secrecy. The furore saw Home Minister Rajnath Singh asserting that "the government and his party (BJP) fully disassociate" themselves from the remarks made by Sayeed.
However, the Opposition rejected Singh's response and demanded a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and staged a walkout. Leader of Congress Mallikarjun Kharge said since the Prime Minister was told by Sayeed that he feels that the credit should go to Hurriyat, militants and Pakistan for smooth conduct of Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls, Modi should make a statement. "Only PM can explain," he said.
At this, Rajnath Singh said he has spoken to the Prime Minister in this regard and was making the statement with his knowledge and consent. Later he also made it clear that Sayeed had not spoken about this statement with the Prime Minister.
"For the smooth conduct of polls, I congratulate the people of J and K. I credit the EC, the Army and personnel of paramilitary forces...the people have to be credited for the large voter turnout," Singh said.
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