BJP to quit J&K govt if Kashmir issue not solved: Amit Shah

Ahmedabad, Mar 18: Amidst raging controversy on Jammu and Kashmir government's alleged 'pro-separatist' moves, BJP chief Amit Shah said that his party would not compromise on national interest and could end its alliance with PDP, if "Kashmir issue" is not solved.

"People of this country have blessed us like Lord Shiva and given us very big responsibility. BJP will never compromise on national interest, merely to remain in power in Jammu and Kashmir," Shah said, addressing BJP workers in his assembly constituency Naranpura yesterday.

"The government (in J&K) has been formed only to solve Kashmir issue and I have full trust that we will find a solution to this issue. If it (solution of Kashmir issue) does not come about, then nobody can stop our party workers from leaving the coalition government," Shah said.

Shah also said that BJP workers should go to the people to spread the message that the party would not compromise on national interest.

However, BJP's spokesperson Harshad Patel in Gujarat said that Shah merely said that national interest is the party's priority and he never categorically said anything about breaking the BJP's alliance with the PDP.

"He (Amit Shah) merely said that national interest is our priority and BJP will not allow any anti-national activities on the soil of Jammu and Kashmir," Patel said.

BJP has been facing the ire of opposition parties due to its alliance with PDP with the J&K Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's recent decision to release separatist leader Masarrat Alam, only adding to its woes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also clarified before the Lok Sabha that Alam's release is not acceptable and that the government won't tolerate any compromise on the nation's integrity.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had also echoed the sentiments saying that his government's top priority was national security and not continuance of the government in the state.

PTI