Yogesh
Jammu, May 30: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Udhampur East, R S Pathania is caught in a fix after a recent controversy emerged following the circulation of his nine-second video clip on social media.
The clip allegedly shows Pathania making derogatory remarks about the Indian Air Force (IAF) and its role in Operation Sindoor, a military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
The video, which surfaced in connection with a land dispute near the Udhampur Air Force Station, has sparked significant political backlash.
The video is believed to be part of Pathania’s May 28 protest against the administration for serving notices to locals over road widening for Air Force Station, Udhampur, which was aired by various National and Local media channels.
However, after controversy erupted, Pathania has categorically denied the allegations, asserting that the video was “morphed” and edited to defame him.
In a video statement, he reaffirmed his support for the armed forces, saying, “I have not said anything against the Indian Air Force. Bharat Mata ki Jai. Armed Forces ki Jai. Indian Air Force ki Jai.”
He further noted that the BJP’s legal team has lodged a First Information Report (FIR) to address the spread of the alleged misinformation.
J&K BJP President Sat Sharma supported Pathania, saying, “His statement is being misconstrued. He has also lodged an FIR regarding this.”
The controversy has intensified due to a long-standing land dispute between locals and the IAF station in Udhampur.
Pathania claimed the land legally belongs to locals and was originally provided in good faith for national interest without compensation.
He warned against any illegal actions by authorities, emphasising the need for a resolution that respects local rights.
The Congress party has strongly condemned the alleged remarks, announcing plans to file a legal complaint against Pathania for what they describe as “disgraceful” comments about the Indian Armed Forces.
Congress working president Raman Bhalla criticised the BJP’s silence on the issue, demanding stern action and questioning the party’s top leadership.
The controversy comes in the wake of Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. (KNO)
