BJP leaders have no locus standi to decide J&K’s future: Sajjad Shaheen

Srinagar, Jan 9: National Conference MLA from Banihal Sajjad Shaheen on Friday launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party leadership from Jammu, accusing them of “betraying” Jammu and Kashmir and undermining its identity.

Talking to reporters, Sajjad Shaheen alleged that BJP leaders from Jammu had acted as “traitors” to both Jammu as well as the Valley, accusing them of “defacing historical and political identity of the region”. He claimed that such leaders neither represent the true aspirations of Jammu nor have the moral authority to decide the fate of J&K, as per KNT.

He said Jammu cannot be reduced to “two and a half districts,” asserting that the region includes Pir Panjal, Chenab Valley, Bani, Basohli, and Gool Gulab Garh, areas which, according to him, have been consistently ignored in political decision-making. He alleged that BJP leaders function as proxies of New Delhi and are willing to go to any extent for political power.

The NC legislator further accused the BJP of “dividing” Jammu and Kashmir, despite earlier projecting it as the “crown” of the country. He alleged that the party employed every possible tactic to climb the power ladder but failed to secure public support. Referring to the delimitation exercise, Sajjad Shaheen said it was carried out even though delimitation was frozen until 2024.