New Delhi: Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday hit out at Congress leader P Chidambaram for targetting Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government of modifying Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir as it was a Muslim-dominated state, and accused the former finance minister of playing politics.
Speaking to ETV Bharat, Rijiju said, "Chidambaram is playing politics, do not give it much importance. When it is a matter concerning the national interest, one shouldn't try to fan religious sentiments, as national interest is supreme."
Earlier, Chidambaram had said that the saffron party would not have "snatched away" the special status had Jammu and Kashmir been a Hindu-dominated state
He also alleged that BJP revoked the Article with its "muscle power", he said the situation in Jammu and Kashmir was unstable and that international news agencies were covering the unrest, but not Indian media houses.
On whether he thinks that normalcy has been restored in Jammu and Kashmir after its bifurcation and modification of Article 370, Rijiju said, "We will have to bring normalcy in the Valley, that is the only way forward. Peace will only lead to development."
Also read: Indian envoy to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria returns to Delhi
When asked if Ladakh has accepted BJP's decision, the Sports Minister said, "Ladakh has always been peaceful, and after being declared a Union Territory, they are all the more happy. Going forward you will see how the move proves beneficial for the people of Jammu and Kashmir too."
