BJP holds ‘solid evidence’ of corruption, money for transfers: Raina

Claims some ministers also involved; urges CM Omar to allow presentation of proof

Srinagar, May 23: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ravinder Raina on Saturday said the party possesses “solid evidence” regarding alleged corruption and money taken from government employees for transfers. He urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to provide them with an opportunity to present the proof.

 “We have solid evidence of the allegations. Not just one, but a lot of evidence. And certainly, if the government wants, that evidence will be given,” Raina said while talking to reporters here.

The BJP leader, as reported by the news agency, said he had raised the issue seriously and responsibly and had even requested the Prime Minister to look into the matter.

“I have said this with great seriousness and responsibility. I requested the Honourable Chief Minister and also requested the Prime Minister that there are a large number of people involved in corruption and transfers. Some ministers are also involved,” he said.

Raina said most of the complaints relate to government employees who were allegedly made to pay money for transfers. “I hope that the Honourable Chief Minister will give us a chance and we will present all the evidence regarding where and from whom the money was taken,” he said.

The BJP leader said he and his party have always worked honestly and responsibly.

Raina further appealed to MLA Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad, whom he described as close to the Chief Minister, to avoid using inappropriate language in political discourse. “We may have political disagreements with each other, but ultimately we all live in the same state and country. It is in everyone’s best interest to serve the people,” he said.

Clarifying a viral video circulating on social media showing a cockroach, he said it had no political context and was merely shared in good humour. “I saw a video this morning on social media because a cockroach had entered my house. We caught it and released it outside. We made a video of it. There is no need to attach any political meaning to it. It was shared only in good humour,” he said.

When asked about “Missing Chief Minister” posters and the BJP’s reported plan to lodge a complaint at Ram Munshi Bagh police station, Raina said reports were circulating for quite some time that the Chief Minister was outside J&K, perhaps due to some political assignment. “I would not like to criticise him over that. However, I also saw in the media and on social media discussions regarding the Chief Minister being away for a long time. I have heard that he returned this morning, which is a good thing,” he said—(KNO).