One-time allies PDP, BJP in bitter war of words

An all-out war has broken out between one-time allies BJP and PDP in Jammu and Kashmir over alleged hate speeches in during the 'Dharam Sansad' held in Jammu on Sunday. Speaking at the event, chief of Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samaj, Swami Jagadguru Hansadevacharya, said the temple would be built in Ayodhya, come what may, and that those who disagree should leave the country.

Responding to his comments, the PDP accused the BJP of trying to promote hatred in the state for electoral gains. "The BJP is trying to create a 2008-like situation in the state for electoral gains. It is unfortunate that the BJP, which is ruling the country, organised an event like 'Dharam Sansad' in Jammu, and senior party leaders, including its president, attended it. By promoting hatred and negativity, the BJP has again established that it can never again be trusted as a party of governance in a composite state like Jammu and Kashmir," said Naeem Akhtar, former minister and senior PDP leader.

"Whether a law is made or not, an ordinance is promulgated or not, the day they tell us the stones are ready, construction will start. We hadn't set a mahurat for taking down the structure (Babri Masjid); the mahurat for the Ram Temple started from that day itself. Those who want to build a Babri Masjid at Ram Janmabhoomi should leave this country," Hansadevacharya said, while also congratulating Governor Satya Pal Malik for not allowing the formation of government by "terrorist supporters".

In 2008, the Amarnath land agitation polarised Jammu and Kashmir on religious and regional lines, with people from both sides launching agitations protesting the transfer of 39.88 hectares of forest land to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB). The land agitation led to the fall of Ghulam Nabi Azad-led government after alliance partner PDP withdrew support, forcing him to put in his papers.

"If leaders of these nationalist organisations claim to be religious, they should try to become good human beings and speak of inclusive growth and prosperity. Good human beings and not religious bigotry is what one needs for the prosperity of any nation," Akhtar added.

They Said It

• Hindu seers on Sunday said those who oppose Ram Temple should leave the country.
• Responding to this, PDP said the BJP is trying to create a 2008-like situation again.
• The Amarnath land row agitation had derailed the then Congress govt.