The Newshour Debate: Should BJP pull out? - 2

TIMES NOW

by TIMES NOW

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Today Mufti Mohammed Sayeed is playing a dangerous game. Pandering to separatists, tilting towards terrorists and flirting with Islamabad. The pro Pakistan Chief Minister - as we call him for his sweeping decisions - has left his ally the BJP on the edge by releasing a top anti India campaigner. If he has his way, 10,000 more could be freed. Meanwhile Parliament erupted in anger over a separatist's release in Jammu and Kashmir, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to share the "outrage" and denounce the decision amidst his government's assertion that it is willing to make any sacrifice for national integrity. As opposition mounted an onslaught over freeing of Masarat Alam by the J&K government of which BJP is a part, Home Minister Rajnath Singh admitted to "ideological differences" with PDP and asserted that "nobody, howsoever powerful", will be allowed to play with national integrity.

Members in both Lok Sabha and Rajya expressed "outrage" over the release of the separatist leader, calling the development as "anti-national" and dangerous to the country's integrity. They dared BJP to pull out of the Mufti Mohammad Sayeed-led government on the issue. Speaking in Lok Sabha, Modi said he shared the "outrage" and would take whatever action is required. Asserting that the release of the separatist leader was not acceptable, Modi said his government won't tolerate any compromise with the nation's integrity. He said the Centre has sought clarifications from the state government and will act after the response is received. "Parliament, in one voice, has condemned this type of action. I assure the country and the House that whatever is happening there (in J and K), the Union government was neither consulted not informed... Government does not accept such action. Will Modi Government let it happen or is a walk out more honourable?

In a debate moderated by TIMES NOW's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami, panelists -- Dr Seshadri Chari, Member, National Executive and Convenor, F