BJP tears into Deputy CM over ‘derogatory language’; accuses NC of insulting Jammu’s dignity

JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a blistering attack on the Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, accusing him of repeatedly using “derogatory, uncivil and unacceptable language” against the Leader of Opposition and others, and charged the ruling National Conference (NC) with “insulting Jammu’s dignity” by appointing such a person to the post.

J&K BJP Spokespersons, Arun Gupta, Dr. Tahir Chowdhary, and Zorawar Singh Jamwal criticized the NC and its leaders while addressing a joint press conference at BJP headquarters, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu. Arun Gupta said the Deputy Chief Minister had “forgotten the language of a civilized society” and had “crossed all boundaries of decency and responsibility expected from a public office-holder.”

“When the Deputy Chief Minister speaks, he seems to forget how a leader in a civilized society should talk. He doesn’t know where to stop or what dignity demands,” Gupta said, asserting that such conduct “tarnishes Jammu’s image.” He further reminded that the Deputy Chief Minister’s post has no constitutional recognition, while the Leader of Opposition is a constitutionally defined position, deserving respect across the political spectrum.

“The Deputy CM must know his limits. The Constitution doesn’t even recognize his post, yet he dares to speak against a constitutional office with such foul language. This is not acceptable to any civilized society,” Gupta declared. Calling out the National Conference, Gupta alleged that the party had “knowingly chosen a person with an abusive temperament” to represent Jammu.

“The NC knew exactly what kind of man he is—someone who forgets decency and civility. Yet they made him Deputy CM to deliberately distort Jammu’s image. We cannot tolerate this any longer,” he said. Dr Tahir Chowdhary echoed the sentiment, accusing the NC leadership of showing its “disregard and bias” towards Jammu through its appointment choices.

“When the NC made him Deputy CM, they did it fully aware of his attitude. He doesn’t understand political responsibility. Every time he speaks, his words expose his immaturity,” Dr Chowdhary said. He added that such language from a constitutional office sends a “dangerous message” to the next generation.

“We are living in the age of television and social media. When young people watch a Deputy CM using street-level language, what are we teaching them about leadership and governance?” he asked. Chowdhary said the BJP had earlier avoided commenting out of respect for the decorum of politics, but the Deputy CM’s “repeated outbursts” had crossed the line.

“We didn’t want to drag this into public mudslinging because when you throw a stone in filth, you get splashed too. But now the situation is unbearable. The Deputy CM has become completely unrestrained,” he said. He further questioned Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s silence, saying, “Why hasn’t the Chief Minister acted? Why hasn’t the NC corrected this behaviour? Their silence means endorsement.”

Zorawar Singh Jamwal drew a historical parallel, invoking the late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s conduct as an example of parliamentary dignity. “Atal ji, even while sitting in the Opposition, spoke with such grace that the Prime Minister of the day would rise to appreciate him. He always said — political differences are natural, but personal bitterness has no place in public life,” Jamwal said.

He said that the Deputy CM’s “abusive and provocative remarks” reflect a “moral and political collapse” in the ruling camp. “The problem is not just what he says — it’s that his wrongs are being justified. The Chief Minister’s silence is an endorsement. No society, no institution accepts this level of indecency,” he added.

Jamwal said the BJP will continue to raise this issue both inside and outside the Assembly. “The BJP believes in healthy, issue-based politics for the welfare of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. But we cannot allow any leader to insult constitutional positions or defame Jammu’s civilizational ethos,” he said.

All three BJP spokespersons urged the National Conference to take immediate cognizance and remove the Deputy CM from his post. “We are not asking for an apology; we are demanding accountability,” Gupta said. “Jammu will not accept representation from someone who cannot control his language or respect public office.”

The BJP warned that if the NC continued to ignore the issue, it would “expose its double standards on dignity, democracy, and governance.” “The message is clear — reform your language or resign. Jammu’s people will not tolerate any attempt to malign their identity,” the party spokespersons declared.