Jammu: BJP leader and Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma stirred controversy on Wednesday, stating that those who rebelled against Maharaja Hari Singh could not be considered martyrs. He claimed they were killed after attacking a Hindu Mohalla and accused the Congress of declaring them martyrs due to its weakness.
Speaking to the media, Sharma defended the last Dogra ruler, calling him a welfare leader who worked for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He criticised the Congress for what he described as appeasement politics, alleging that it had distorted history for political gains.
The remarks come amid an ongoing debate over the legacy of July 13, 1931, when over 20 protesters were killed by the Dogra army during an uprising. While regional parties, including the National Conference (NC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), observe the day as “Martyrs’ Day,” the BJP has repeatedly dismissed it, calling it a “day of traitors.”
Sharma also took aim at the PDP, rejecting its request for support on a liquor ban bill. “PDP has its own agenda, and we are not going to be involved in it. When we get a bill, we will support our own, but why should we support PDP’s bill?” he said.
