Sunil Sethi, the chief spokesperson of the Jammu and Kashmir BJP, today criticized both the National Conference (NC) and Congress for distorting history and diminishing the contributions of Maharaja Hari Singh. During a press conference, Sethi alleged that these parties portrayed the Maharaja in a negative light to glorify Sheikh Abdullah and undermine the Maharaja’s role in the state’s history.
Sethi, alongside BJP spokespersons Abhijeet Jasrotia, Lt Gen (retd) Rakesh Sharma, Dr. Tahir Chowdhary, and YV Sharma, emphasized that it was due to Maharaja Hari Singh’s leadership that Jammu and Kashmir became an integral part of India. However, he claimed that NC and Congress repeatedly belittled the Maharaja’s contribution, particularly his work on social reforms, while promoting Sheikh Abdullah as a “hero.”
Maharaja’s Exile and NC-Congress Policies
Sethi highlighted that NC and Congress were responsible for exiling Maharaja Hari Singh and never allowing him to return to Jammu and Kashmir until his death. He pointed out that while these parties celebrated the birthdays of Sheikh Abdullah and observed Martyr’s Day, they ignored the Maharaja’s contributions, leading to public agitation in Jammu demanding a holiday on his birthday.
The BJP, according to Sethi, corrected this historical wrong by declaring a holiday on September 23, Maharaja Hari Singh’s birthday. He challenged Rahul Gandhi and the NC to explain why the Maharaja was “insulted,” sent into exile, and barred from returning to his homeland.
Contradictions in Congress’ Relationship with Sheikh Abdullah
Sethi also accused the Congress of hypocrisy in its dealings with Sheikh Abdullah, first imprisoning him on charges of being anti-national, and later appointing him as Chief Minister. He further questioned why a holiday was declared in Sheikh’s honor, while Maharaja Hari Singh’s legacy was ignored.
BJP’s Role in Honoring the Maharaja
Sethi underscored that the BJP has given Maharaja Hari Singh the rightful place in history, unlike NC and Congress. He argued that it is only the BJP that has consistently celebrated the Maharaja’s birthday and upheld his contributions to Jammu and Kashmir.
Abhijeet Jasrotia’s Remarks on Jammu Discrimination
Abhijeet Jasrotia, speaking at the same event, reiterated that both NC and Congress have historically discriminated against Jammu and its people. He criticized the allocation of more Lok Sabha and Assembly seats to Kashmir, despite Jammu having a larger area and population. Jasrotia further condemned these parties for removing the Dogra certificate, which is a significant identity marker for the people of Jammu.
He concluded by stating that only the BJP is committed to safeguarding the future and identity of Jammu and its Dogra community, while Congress has consistently let down the region.
