New Delhi, 19 April 2014

Following is BJP’s statement on Kashmiri anti-national leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s claims that Modi sent two emissaries to him:

It is being reported in certain sections of the media that the NDA’s Prime Ministerial candidate Shri Narendra Modi sent emissaries to meet Mr. Syed Ali Shah Geelani. These reports are based on certain statements by Mr. Geelani himself.

The BJP categorically rejects these reports. They are mischievous, without basis and are aimed at creating confusion among people. Mr. Geelani’s statements are nothing but a bunch of lies with malicious intent.

No emissary has either tried to meet or met Mr. Geelani to discuss the Kashmir issue. On the Kashmir issue, the BJP’s stand is very clear- that Kashmir is an integral part of India and there cannot be any room for deliberations on this. The BJP has also time and again condemned the negative role played by leaders such as Mr. SAR Geelani, whose politics is a threat to the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. If Mr. Geelani has made these claims, the onus lies on him to present the complete picture and name who were these individuals who met him on behalf of Shri Modi. If he fails to do so, which we are sure he will, he should apologize to the people of India.

The BJP also condemns the manner in which elected representatives and those who hold important offices, most notably from Kashmir are encouraging such lies only to serve their political interests as they fear a crushing defeat in the ongoing Lok Sabha Elections.