BJP Disowns Derogatory Remarks Made During Article 370 Rally Involving Women

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has distanced itself from alleged derogatory slogans targeting Kashmiri women during an Article 370 abrogation anniversary rally in Anantnag, saying such remarks do not reflect the party’s ideology or the official position of its leadership. The controversy erupted after a video of the incident circulated on social media, drawing criticism from political parties and civil society groups. The incident took place during a Tiranga rally organised by BJP workers at Anantnag Housing Colony in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Wednesday. The rally was held to mark the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, which removed Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status in 2019.

The rally was led by BJP senior leader and former Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Sofi Yousuf. During the event, some party workers were allegedly heard raising slogans that were described as derogatory towards Kashmiri women. The remarks reportedly referred to common women’s names in the Valley and were criticised for being offensive and disrespectful. A video clip showing the alleged slogans went viral on social media, leading to widespread backlash. Opposition leaders and several groups condemned the language used during the rally, calling it inappropriate and harmful to public discourse.  The BJP subsequently clarified that the alleged remarks were not part of the party’s principles or official messaging.

The party said such statements do not represent its views and sought to distance itself from the controversy surrounding the slogans. National Conference (NC) leader and Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakina Itoo criticised the incident, calling the slogans an insult to the dignity of Kashmiri women. She demanded that the BJP’s Anantnag unit issue an unconditional apology over the remarks. “This is an insult not only to political discourse but to the dignity of our Kashmiri mothers and sisters,” Itoo said, alleging that the incident reflected a contradiction between the party’s stated position on women’s empowerment and the language used during the rally.

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She also criticised the alleged use of women’s names in political slogans, saying such remarks had no place in a democratic society. Her comments added to the growing criticism from opposition parties and social groups following the circulation of the video. The controversy comes amid political activities marking the anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370. The BJP has regularly highlighted the decision as a major step towards integration and development in Jammu and Kashmir, while regional parties have continued to raise concerns over its political and social impact.

The incident has once again brought attention to the importance of responsible political communication, particularly during public rallies involving sensitive issues. As criticism continues, further reactions from the BJP leadership and local authorities are awaited. The BJP’s distancing from the slogans indicates an attempt to contain the controversy and reinforce that the alleged remarks were not aligned with the party’s official position. The matter has triggered a wider debate over political conduct, respect for communities and the role of language in public campaigns.

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