Jammu, Sep 23:BJP J&K has strongly criticised the demand raised by National Conference MLA Abdul Majeed Larmi and supported by all other NC MLA’s in the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly to cancel the public holiday commemorating the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh Ji, terming it deeply unfortunate and an affront to the sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
In a press statement issued today, BJP J&K Spokesperson Adv. Parimoksh Seth said that the demand to cancel the public holiday commemorating the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh Ji reflects a disregard for the sentiments of the people of Jammu & Kashmir, the wider Dogra community, and Nationalist Forces who regard Maharaja Hari Singh Ji as an important figure in the region's history. The demand raised by NC MLA Abdul Majeed Larmi and supported by all other NC MLA’s during the Assembly proceedings on September 22 was strongly opposed by BJP Legislators and a strong protest was held by BJP legislators in the Legislative Assembly.
Seth said Maharaja Hari Singh Ji, the last Dogra ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, occupies an important place in the region's history. He highlighted his contributions to social and administrative reforms, including measures against untouchability, promotion of education, compulsory and free primary education, agricultural reforms, encouragement of women's education, expansion of roads and healthcare infrastructure, and initiatives associated with the development of financial institutions including establishment of J&K Bank. Seth said that demand for cancellation of the public holiday commemorating Maharaja Hari Singh Ji's birth anniversary is deeply unfortunate and it reflects an attitude of disregard towards Maharaja Hari Singh Ji and the historical legacy of the Dogra community.
Seth further questioned the silence of the Deputy Chief Minister, Ministers and MLAs belonging to the National Conference, particularly those representing the Jammu region, during the Assembly proceedings. Seth said that the elected representatives of NC from Jammu should have clearly articulated the sentiments of the people they represent on an issue carrying such historical and emotional significance. The people of Jammu & Kashmir have a deep historical and emotional connection with Maharaja Hari Singh Ji. His contribution to the social, educational and administrative development of Jammu and Kashmir cannot be reduced to a political controversy over a public holiday Seth said. He added that the BJP would oppose any attempt to remove or alter the public holiday commemorating Maharaja Hari Singh Ji's birth anniversary and would continue to raise the issue in defence of what it describes as the historical and cultural sentiments of the people of Jammu & Kashmir. Seth also questioned the role of the Congress MLAs during the Assembly proceedings, alleging that they remained silent when the demand was raised by the NC MLA.
He alleged that such silence raises questions about the Congress's position on the issue and its political understanding with the National Conference and how Congress has also backstabbed People of Jammu & Kashmir. Seth said historical personalities should be remembered and assessed on the basis of their contributions, historical significance and role in the welfare and development of society and Nation. Adv Seth reiterated that BJP J&K will oppose tooth and nail any attempt by the National Conference-Congress alliance to interfere with the public holiday commemorating the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh Ji and will continue to uphold the historical legacy and sentiments associated with the Maharaja and the Dogra community.
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