Govt. distances itself from Mufti's remark, Opposition demands PM's statement

The BJP-led NDA Government at the Centre on Monday dissociated itself from Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's remark crediting Pakistan for peaceful polls in the state.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday told the Parliament that armed forces, paramilitary forces and the people of Jammu and Kashmir have made peaceful polls possible.

"I have already had discussion with the Prime Minister. I am making statement after his approval. The credit for conducive environment during polls in Jammu and Kashmir goes to the Election Commission, our armed forces and people of J-K," said Singh.

"The armed forces, the paramilitary forces and the people of Jammu and Kashmir have made peaceful polls possible. I want to congratulate people of Jammu and Kashmir, EC and armed forces for peaceful J-K Assembly polls," he added.

Meanwhile, the opposition demanded a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue.

"We want the Prime Minister to speak on this matter in the house and condemn the statement given by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister," said Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge.

Sayeed, who took oath as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister yesterday, stoked a controversy by stating that the Hurriyat, Pakistan and militants had allowed a conducive atmosphere for the assembly polls in the state.