BJP clarifies Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's statement on Pak, militants, praises security forces

The BJP, which is a partner in the J&K government, attributed the peaceful polls to security forces and the Election commission

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday clarified the controversial statements made by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's controversial statement regarding the elections, praising the security forces for the successful conducting of polls in the state.

"The credit for the recently held elections in Jammu and Kashmir goes to the Election Commission, the Indian Army and Indian paramilitary forces. Pakistan has always caused disturbances and the Hurriyat had put up banners calling for boycotting the elections," Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha state president Ravinder Raina

"If the elections have been successful, it is because of India's security agencies and the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh," he added.

Sayeed had earlier stoked a controversy by stating that the Hurriyat, Pakistan and militants had allowed a conducive atmosphere for the recently held assembly polls in the state.

"I want to say this on record and I have told this to the prime minister that we must credit the Hurriyat, militant outfits for the conduct of Assembly elections in the state," Sayeed had said at a press conference after being sworn in as head of the PDP-BJP government in J&K at a ceremony which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Meanwhile, former separatist leader and newly inducted Jammu and Kashmir minister Sajjad Lone chose to downplay the statement.

"All the focus is going to be on development. Only one day has passed, let us focus on hope, not hopelessness," he said.

Sayeed''s statement had come in for sharpy criticism, particularly from former chief minister Omar Abdullah. "Pakistan, Huriyaat & Militants ALLOWED peaceful conduct of elections" says Mufti Syed. I guess we should be grateful for their generosity," Abdullah said on micro-blogging site Twitter after Sayeed's remarks. 

He followed it up with a question for the BJP, saying "Dear @BJP4India please explain roll of security forces & polling staff considering your CM just said Pakistan allowed elections in J&K'."

On Sunday, Sayeed took oath as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir for the second time in his political career.

BJP leader Nirmal Singh also took oath as the state's deputy chief minister.