Boniyar residents demand apology from BJP leader Raja Waqar Asif over alleged derogatory remarks
Locals question BJP leadership's silence, say political leaders cannot disrespect people whose votes they seek; NC spokesperson Abdul Ahad Mangral separately questions claims over ST-2 status for Uri
Srinagar, Nov 14: Residents of Boniyar in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district have demanded an unconditional apology from BJP leader Raja Waqar Asif Khan over his alleged derogatory remarks, triggering questions over the conduct of political representatives and the silence of the party leadership.
The residents have questioned how a political leader could allegedly use inappropriate language against the people whose support he seeks during elections, saying public representatives must maintain dignity and respect while engaging with citizens.
The controversy has also prompted residents to question whether the BJP leadership endorses such conduct or intends to initiate action against its leader.
“Political leaders approach the same people with folded hands when they need votes, but they must also remember their responsibility towards those people after elections. No leader has the right to insult the public,” locals said.
Another resident said that an apology was necessary to address the hurt caused by the alleged remarks.
“We are demanding an apology because people deserve respect. Political differences are understandable, but derogatory language against the public cannot be justified. The BJP leadership should clarify its position,” a resident said.
The residents also questioned the accountability of political leaders, arguing that holding a public position comes with responsibilities and that elected representatives and party leaders must remain answerable for their words and actions.
They sought a response from both the BJP leadership and Raja Waqar Asif Khan, asking whether the party would take any action over the controversy.
Meanwhile, National Conference spokesperson for Uri, Abdul Ahad Mangral, criticised certain self-styled leaders for allegedly claiming credit for having fought for Scheduled Tribe (ST-2) status for the region.
Mangral termed the claims unfortunate and said attempts to gain political mileage from public issues would not change the facts.
He maintained that people in Uri were aware of those who had genuinely raised their concerns and worked towards safeguarding their rights.
“Making such claims for political mileage does not change the facts. The people of Uri are well aware of who genuinely stood with them, raised their concerns and worked towards safeguarding their rights,” Mangral said.
He further argued that issues concerning public rights should not become a platform for individual publicity or political credit-seeking.
“Those who claim to have fought for ST-2 should come forward with facts and clarify their actual contribution rather than misleading the public,” he said.
Emphasising that public rights cannot be treated as the personal achievements of individual leaders, Mangral said the people of Uri were politically aware and could distinguish between genuine contributions and claims made for publicity.
“The people of Uri are politically aware and cannot be misled by self-proclaimed leadership or fabricated claims. Public rights are not anyone’s personal achievement; they are a responsibility towards the people,” he added.
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