Pulwama, Dec 17: Jammu and Kashmir BJP General Secretary Ashok Koul on Wednesday termed the recent incident involving Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and a girl wearing a hijab as “wrong,” but said the act appeared to be unintentional, considering the Chief Minister’s age.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a BJP workers’ convention held at Patipora Lassipora in Pulwama district, Koul, said that the Chief Minister should not have asked the girl to remove her hijab. “The incident was not right. Everyone must respect individual faith, identity and constitutional values.
However, keeping his age in view, it seems the act was not intentional,” he said.
During the convention, Koul, accompanied by BJP State Secretary Mudasir Wani, Pulwama District President Er Showkat Gayoor, BJP Kisan Morcha leader and programme organiser Arshad Bhat, and senior leader Awataar Singh, interacted with party workers and local residents, listening to their concerns and suggestions.
Responding to queries about the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, Koul reiterated the BJP’s position, stating that statehood would be restored at an “appropriate time.”
He said the commitment of the BJP and the Government of India on the issue was clear and would be fulfilled keeping in view peace, stability and the larger public interest.
Koul also addressed admission-related issues concerning Mata Vaishno Devi College, saying the matter would be examined by the Sangathan committee of the college and the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine.
Highlighting developments in the region, he said Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed significant progress in infrastructure, tourism and youth opportunities under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, adding that the BJP would continue to work for the all-round development of the Union Territory.
