National Conference Additional General Secretary and Former Minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra on Saturday lashed out at Pradesh Congress Committee President Tariq Hamid Karra for indulging in cheap politics over the issue of Vande Mataram, saying that abiding by the Constitution is an obligatory and sacred duty of every citizen.
Sadhotra, as per a statement, was addressing a Women Wing meeting organised byAyesha Gupta Incharge of Women Wing of Jammu North Assembly Constituency, Babli Ji, Neelam Ji and Kanta Ji at Pakhian Mishriwala in Jammu North Assembly Constituency.
Reacting to the statements made by the Congress President, NC leader made it clear that upholding constitutional values should not be confused with extending political support to any particular government or political dispensation. He said the Constitution belongs to every Indian citizen and cannot be selectively invoked for political convenience. “Commitment of the India Block is to the Constitution, the people and the democratic values enshrined therein. It does not mean endorsing the policies or politics of the BJP led Central Government,” he said.
Sadhotra said the National Conference has its own distinct political identity, rooted in the aspirations of Jammu and Kashmir and its historic commitment to secularism, democracy and equitable development. “We will continue to oppose policies that undermine the interests of Jammu and Kashmir and question the failures of those in power at the Centre,” Sadhotra added.
Sadhotra endorsed the views expressed by Jenab Omar Abdullah on the subject, saying that the Chief Minister had rightly emphasised the importance of constitutional values. He said that the Constitution guarantees both rights and duties to citizens, and its spirit demands mutual accommodation rather than political opportunism.
The Constitution is supreme, and every citizen is bound to uphold its dignity and principles. Attempts to turn sensitive issues into political weapons serve no purpose other than creating confusion and division,” he said.
