INDIA bloc cannot tolerate dissent: BJP

Srinagar, Oct 8: BJP leader Altaf Thakur on Thursday criticised the opposition INDIA bloc over the alleged assault on a Kashmiri Muslim youth for raising slogans against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing the alliance of intolerance towards political dissent.
In a statement, Thakur said the alleged incident raised serious questions about the opposition alliance’s commitment to democratic values and freedom of expression.
“If a Kashmiri Muslim youth was beaten merely for raising slogans critical of Rahul Gandhi, it exposes the real face of the so-called INDIA bloc—democracy and dissent are welcome only when they suit them,” Thakur said.
He accused the Congress and its allies of adopting double standards on democratic rights, saying political parties could not advocate tolerance while allegedly resorting to intimidation against those expressing opposing views.
“The Congress and its allies cannot preach tolerance to the nation while allegedly silencing a Kashmiri voice through physical intimidation. Kashmiris do not need lessons in democracy from those who cannot tolerate an opposing slogan,” he said.
Describing the alleged assault as an attack on the fundamental right to dissent, Thakur demanded that the INDIA bloc publicly condemn the incident and ensure accountability.
“This is not merely an attack on one youth; it is an assault on the fundamental right to dissent. The INDIA bloc must answer: Is criticism of Rahul Gandhi now a crime?” he asked.
Thakur said that if the opposition alliance genuinely believed in democratic principles, it should unequivocally condemn the alleged incident and ensure that those responsible were held accountable.
“Kashmir will not be bullied into silence, and no political alliance can claim the mantle of democracy while crushing dissent on the streets,” he added. (KNS)