Why BJP expelled Poonch leader over 'hate speech' in J&K
Ravinder Raina, the head of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Jammu and Kashmir, has expelled senior member Satish Bhargav from the party's "primary membership for a period of six years." This decision was made after Bhargav delivered a controversial "hate speech" against several Pahari politicians affiliated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the National Conference (NC) during a poll campaign in Mendhar, Poonch district. Here is what happened:
You may receive wounds like we did in 1947: Bhargav
Addressing party workers on Tuesday, Bhargav warned the Pahari leaders to vote for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP state president Raina. Bhargav told them that the Modi government had maintained its commitment to include them on the Scheduled Tribes list. He then proceeded to warn, "Remember, there will come many occasions, and you may be given wounds like the ones we got during 1947, which we have not been able to forget so far."
Bhargav was referring to activities of J&K ruler Hari Singh
Bhargav was alluding to the activities of J&K ruler Hari Singh, who sent troops and tribal people into the region in August 1947, when he had to choose between joining India and Pakistan. The Indian Express reported that they quickly seized control of large areas, murdering numerous individuals and stealing properties, particularly Hindu property. Many Hindus went to Poonch and Rajouri seeking shelter. There were also major clashes and riots between local Muslims and Hindus until calm was restored.
Why Bhargav made the comments
The BJP leader made the comments after senior Pahari leader Murtaza Khan, who had left the PDP, openly backed Mehbooba Mufti, the PDP's supremo and candidate from Anantnag-Rajouri. Khan said that the BJP shouldn't "compel" them to vote for a certain party while announcing its support for the PDP. The BJP is not contesting in any Kashmir constituency, including Anantnag-Rajouri. However, in the absence of its own candidates, the BJP indicated that it may back other "patriotic" parties.
PDP's objections lead to disciplinary action against Bhargav
Notably, the NC, PDP, and Congress regard the Apni Party, Democratic Progressive Azad Party, and People's Conference as proxies for the BJP. Taking this into consideration, the PDP lodged a written complaint against the district commissioner, accusing them of coercing voters to support the Apni Party. Firdous Tak, a former legislator and member of the PDP, claimed in his complaint that BJP representatives had been openly intimidating Pahari Muslims.
