BJP criticises NC President’s ‘Darbar Move’ revival call

Srinagar, Oct 30: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday criticised National Conference (NC) President Dr Farooq Abdullah’s call to revive “Darbar Move” practice in Jammu and Kashmir.

BJP State General Secretary (Organisation), Ashok Kaul while talking to Greater Kashmir said, “The stand of our party on Darbar Move is clear that there should be no change and the status-quo needs to be maintained.”

Asked if BJP is not in favour of reviving “Darbar Move” practice, Kaul said, “Times have changed. Everything has become digital. I do not think anyone wants to once again put files in buses and trucks and shift them between Jammu and Srinagar every six months.”

“Farooq Sahib can give statements to keep people busy but he should remember that Durbar Move has become a history,”

Pertinently, earlier in the day Dr Farooq had lamented the halting of the "Darbar Move" in 2022, a bi-annual administrative practice started by the Maharajas where the Government would shift between Srinagar and Jammu every six months.

“The Darbar Move was a significant tradition, fostering unity between the two regions, and its revival could restore the pristine glory of Raghunath Bazaar,” he said.

The NC President had recalled accompanying his father, Sheikh Abdullah, to the market when he was the Prime Minister of J&K. He praised the Maharaja for initiating the Durbar Move. “This practice should be revived to strengthen regional brotherhood” he added.

Senior Peoples Democratic Party leader, Dr Mehboob Beg seconded Dr Farooq Abdullah’s call to revive “Darbar Move” practice. “It’s important to maintain closeness and proximity between Jammu and Kashmir regions. Durbar Move used to serve as a bridge to keep J&K as one unit.”

“Many people in Jammu are of the opinion that halting the “Darbar Move” has hit trade and business. The practice had a historical significance and it should recommence,” he added.

Dr Beg accused BJP of having “double standards” saying, “What’s BJP doing on one hand it has announced holiday on the birthday of Maharaja Hari Singh, while on the other hand it has revoked the “Darbar Move” practice which was followed by him in letter and spirit,” he said, adding, “BJP revoked J&K’s special status which was introduced by Maharaja.”