JAMMU: Reacting sharply over the statement of former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah wherein he asserted to look into the allotment of land for the proposed Maharashtra Bhawan in Kashmir, Dr Varinder Sharma, Co-convenor Professional Cell Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) said that this is a divisive politics and aimed at dividing people on regional lines. He said that after the abrogation of Article 370, the state administration of J&K had allotted land to Maharashtra government for building it's Bhawan and such a statement coming from National Conference and leader is condemnable.
Dr Varinder Sharma said after following due procedure and law of the land, the state administration allotted land to Maharashtra. The proposed guest house would be situated in Budgam, near the Srinagar airport, spanning 2.5 acres for which the Maharashtra Cabinet, in a recent meeting presided over by Chief Minister Shinde, also approved the land purchase, with the J&K government granting land transfer for Rs 8.16 crore. The government has also sanctioned special funds to construct Maharashtra Bhawan but such an opposition to this development by the National Conference is not in the larger interest of the nation.
At a time when the Jammu and Kashmir Government has its guest houses at Delhi, Amritsar and Mumbai, governments of other states and UTs can also have their Bhawans in Jammu and Kashmir for the convenience of their own people. In addition, such buildings serve as cultural centres and bond people through art, culture and languages. Opposing such a positive move by Omar Abdullah is nothing but cheap, divisive and doublespeak politics, the BJP leader said.
Dr Varinder Sharma said, Omar Abdullah's statement that when his government comes to power after Assembly polls, it will relook at the deal is like daydreaming as NC is never going to win people's heart or take such decisions that are aimed at dividing people on regional lines. Welcoming construction of Maharashtra Bhawan in Kashmir and the decision of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha administration to allot land for the purpose, Dr Varinder Sharma said no one will tolerate such hostile behaviour towards Maharashtra and people there have already started protesting against such irresponsible statements.
Such Bhawans in Jammu and Kashmir will promote tourism, cultural ethos, strengthen bonds and also create employment and business opportunities for locals. Dr Varinder Sharma said the Maharashtra Bhavan in Jammu and Kashmir would also serve lakhs of devotees who come for Amarnath Yatra and tourists from Maharashtra who visit Kashmir round the year. Students from other states can also come for exchange programmes and strengthen bonds. Omar Abdullah must take his words back and be careful in issuing such statements.
The BJP leader said Kashmir is changing and youth are looking for such cultural bindings with other states and UTs. The era of violence, death and destruction is over and now in this peaceful atmosphere every individual from across the country has a right to progress and prosper. Instead of issuing conflicting statements, Omar must talk of developing Jammu and Kashmir.