BJP has no interest in toppling J&K govt: Ashok Koul

Srinagar, Jul 11: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Jammu and Kashmir General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul on Saturday dismissed the National Conference’s allegation that BJP had offered money to its legislators to topple the government, asserting that his party has no interest in forming a government in the Union Territory through defections.
Responding to claims by National Conference leaders that BJP had allegedly offered Rs 20 crore to an MLA to leave the party, Koul termed the allegation baseless and said it reflected “internal problems” within the ruling party.
“These statements are being made because of their own internal issues. Their house is about to break, and they are trying to shift the blame on us. We have repeatedly made it clear that the BJP has no interest in forming a government by breaking any party,” Koul said.
On the National Conference’s proposed protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi seeking restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, Koul said every political party has the democratic right to hold protests.
“They have every right to protest. We have no objection if they want to go to Jantar Mantar or organise demonstrations elsewhere,” he said.
However, he questioned the turnout at the party’s recent demonstrations, claiming the participation was much lower than projected by the National Conference.
Referring to the controversy over outsourcing of government jobs, Koul alleged that the National Conference had itself admitted to making around 24,000 appointments through outsourcing and questioned the transparency of the process.
“They should explain the criteria adopted for appointing these 24,000 people. Government recruitment is carried out through agencies like the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission and the Services Selection Recruitment Board after proper advertisement and selection. What process was followed in these appointments?” he asked.
Koul alleged that the outsourced appointments lacked transparency and claimed the beneficiaries were relatives of party leaders and workers.
“The public deserves to know what qualifications these appointees had, who assessed their eligibility and what procedure was followed,” he said.
Speaking about his visit to Udhampur, Koul said the tour was aimed at strengthening the BJP’s organisational base. He said he held meetings with party leaders and workers, visited local residents and participated in a party convention where the BJP highlighted the welfare initiatives of the Narendra Modi-led government for farmers, labourers, women and the poor.
He expressed confidence that the outreach would further strengthen the party in the region. (KNS)