BJP clarifies Sayeed's separatist statement, praises security forces for successful J-K polls

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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.

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.

"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.

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.

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.

They were administered the oath of office by Governor NN Vohra at the General Zorawar Singh Auditorium in Jammu University.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah and party veteran L K Advani were among those who attended the ceremony.