Mumbai: Asserting that raising slogans like ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ is a proof of nationalism and patriotism, the Shiv Sena on Monday demanded that People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti raise pro-national slogans before taking oath as the first woman chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir.
“I believe raising slogans like ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and ‘Jai Hind’ is definitely a proof of nationalism. It comes from within, there is no need for force. If your thinking has changed, then Mehbooba Mufti must raise the slogan before taking oath,” Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut told ANI.
“It has been the nature of Mehbooba Mufti to be sympathetic towards Afzal Guru. These people are not ready to call him a terrorist. The BJP-PDP alliance has been formed in Jammu and Kashmir. An environment of nationalism has been created in the nation. Now, the question is whether Mehbooba ji will raise the slogan of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’,” he added.
Welcoming Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat’s remark that the whole nation should raise slogans like ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’, Raut insisted it should begin from Muslim-dominant Kashmir and its chief minister-designate.
The Shiv Sena has questioned the ruling alliance in the state. In an article published in the Shiv Sena mouthpiece, Saamna, the party said that Mehbboba’s links with separatists in Kashmir hase always been questionable. The article further goes on to say that the PDP chief is sympathetic towards anti-national elements.
Mehbooba Mufti met Jammu and Kashmir Governor N.N. Vohra over the weekend to stake a claim to form a government in the state after PDP legislators unanimously elected her as their legislature party leader. (ANI)