SRINAGAR: BJP National General Secretary Incharge Jammu and Kashmir affairs Ram Madhav on Monday said that reshuffle of the BJP ministers in the ruling coalition government has nothing to do with the investigation and trial of Kathau rape and murder case.
“The cabinet reshuffle has nothing to do with the Kathua incident. Our government has completed three years and we decided to give a chance to new faces,” Madhav said. “This has nothing to do with it (Kathua rape and murder case). Our government has completed three years in power so we decided to have a reshuffle in the cabinet and give an opportunity to new faces.” Madav was in Jammu party office where he talked to the media.
Madhav said the BJP had planned the reshuffle three years before but had then planned to restrict the number to two or three. However, due to the resignation of the two ministers they were forced to raise the number to five and promote a minister of state.
Two BJP ministers, Lal Singh and Chandra Prakash, had to quit early this month after a row over their participation in the event.
Madhav stressed that there were no double standards and the ministers took the decision to quit their posts in view of some statements that were attributed to them.
“Those statements created a wrong impression. The impression that perhaps they were supporting the accused which was not a fact. As the impression was created due to the wrong presentation of the facts, they took moral responsibility and decided to step down,” Madhav said.
The matter has been taken up by the court and watch for Supreme Court
Madhav also faced a volley of questions over the demands for a CBI inquiry in the case, especially from Lal Singh. he was asked that Singh has taken the demand to the streets. The BJP leader said the BJPs stand was that the case is before the court and its decision would be respected.
Asked why the party was not taking action against Singh for anti-party activities and provoking people, he said, “The demand (CBI probe) was raised by various sections of the society, including the Bar Council here. Are you saying they are all provoking the people?” he reacted.
“The same issue is before the Supreme Court so it is not something that only one person (Lal Singh) is raising. Let the court take a view and afterwards, if anyone persists with the demand, then we will take a stand on that person’s demand,” he said.
On a tweet by National Conference working president Omar Abdullah questioning the inclusion of Jasrotia, he said, “Twitter is a free medium and let them say what they want to say. I have answered the question.”
Shortly after Jasrotia had taken oath as a minister, Abdullah tweeted: “Two BJP ministers removed in J-K for attending a pro-rapist rally and an MLA who is reported to have attended the same rally is promoted as a minister.”
“Why are the BJP/Mehbooba Mufti confused about where they stand on the Kathua rape,” he asked in another tweet.
