BJP pursuing politics of animosity, hollowing out Gandhi’s ideals: Congress legislator

Accusing the BJP of dividing the nation, undermining institutions, and “exporting” discord post Article 370

Srinagar: Senior Congress legislator and MLA from Bandipora, Nizamuddin Bhat, launched a scathing critique against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of pursuing a divisive political agenda since assuming power at the Centre.

Bhat alleged that the BJP has “implemented a policy aimed at fragmenting the nation along communal and caste lines.” He charged the party with running a sustained campaign against the Indian National Congress, framing it as “an agenda to liberate the country from the Congress,” which he claims has involved “assaults on constitutional principles and the enactment of excessive laws.”

“These laws are not only discordant with our nation’s cultural ethos and civilisation but are also fundamentally incompatible with our democratic republican system,” Bhat said.

He alleged that after abrogating the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir, the party is now “exporting this politics of discord to other states.”

He condemned the alleged undermining of independent institutions, citing the purported “weaponisation” of central agencies like the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Bhat specifically targeted the recent legislative changes to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

“In their continuing politics of animosity, they have now hollowed out a scheme bearing the name of Mahatma Gandhi—the Father of the Nation. This is an attempt to erase his legacy through legislation,” Bhat said.

“This is a unique spectacle in the world. No nation has ever removed the name of its ‘Father of the Nation.’ Across the globe, statues of Mahatma Gandhi stand tall. His ideals of non-violence and peaceful movements are revered worldwide. It is unfortunate that in India, there are attempts to diminish the memorials of the Father of the Nation. Only the BJP could attempt to erase such a towering figure,” he added.

Bhat said that the opposition’s struggle extends beyond the MGNREGA issue. “The Congress, along with other voices, will continue to raise concerns regarding statehood for Jammu and Kashmir and other critical issues related to the region,” he declared, signalling sustained political confrontation.

Notably, the Congress party has launched a nationwide campaign against the new legislation, which it labels an “anti-people” policy that threatens the livelihood security of crores of rural citizens. (KNS)