In an embarrassment to the ruling PDP-BJP alliance, Jammu and Kashmir's new Deputy Chief Minister Kavinder Gupta said after being sworn in that the Kathua rape and murder was a "small issue".
Answering questions about his role in ensuring the stability of the ruling alliance, Gupta said the reshuffle of the council of ministers was in itself a proof of the seriousness which the coalition attaches to better governance.
Asked whether the Kathua rape and murder incident had impacted the reshuffle, he said: "That was a small issue."
Both President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have said that the rape and murder of an eight-year-old in Kathua has shaken the country and made everyone hang their heads in shame.
--IANS
sq/mr/sar
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