Kathua MLA Induction to Cabinet Creates Furor

Srinagar, April 30 (KNB): The induction of Kathua MLA Rajiv Jasrotia by BJP on Monday as a minister in the Jammu and Kashmir cabinet has triggered a fresh controversy with sane voices raising question over his participation in a rally to favor the accused in Kathua minor’s rape and murder case for which BJP earlier forced two stalwarts to quit.
Jastrotia, who took oath along with eight others, was part of the controversial Kathua rally in support of the accused in the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl. Jastrotia was also questioned in connection with the case.
Furore has been generated due to his induction. Prominent Journalist Barkha Dutt tweeted –“ Rajiv Jasrotia #Kathua MLA who also attended the rally to back men charged with rape& murder of an 8-year-old girl has today been made minister in #JammuAndKashmir. So why drop the two state ministers at all? Here’s what the child’s lawyer TalibHussain told me about MLA’s role”
Pertinently, the state can have a maximum of 25 ministers, including the chief minister, out of which 14 portfolios are with the PDP and the remaining are with the BJP. Eight ministers were inducted into the cabinet today, of which seven were new faces
Inam un Nabi, Political analyst, while talking to The Kashmir News Bureau stated – “ The induction of MLA who came in support of rapists in State cabinet shows the level to which politics has been degraded in Kashmir and especially how those who encourage goon and criminal elements are rewarded. This development is bound to alienate youth further and have negative consequences on the overall situation. PDP BBJP coalition government is taking rot to new levels.”
Meanwhile, asking Mehbooba Mufti to clear her stand on how Rajiv Jasrotia was inducted in her cabinet, MLA Langate Sheikh Abdul Rasheed has said that his induction has exposed the collation Government’s claims of taking a moral ground over Kuthua rape and murder case. (KNB)