Srinagar, May 26 (JKNS): Er. Sahil Bashir Bhat, State Spokesperson, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has strongly condemned the blatant misuse of an officially organised Tourism Department programme at Panchan Pathri by a National Conference MLA and Minister for deriving political mileage and promoting partisan interests under the garb of a government event.
In an official statement issued here as per news agency JKNS, Er. Sahil Bashir Bhat said that the programme, which was meant to promote tourism, regional development, and showcase the immense tourism potential of Panchan Pathri, was unfortunately converted into a politically charged gathering aimed at glorifying a particular political party at the expense of public money.
He stated that such conduct is not only morally unacceptable but also contrary to the very spirit of the Constitution of India, which upholds neutrality, accountability, and fairness in governance.
“Public institutions and government departments are established to serve every citizen equally, irrespective of political affiliation. Misusing official government platforms, state resources, and taxpayers’ money for partisan political propaganda amounts to an abuse of constitutional responsibility and a betrayal of public trust,”
said Er. Sahil Bashir Bhat.
The BJP spokesperson further remarked that the Constitution envisages a system where public funds are utilised for welfare, development, and public service, not for strengthening the political narratives of ruling parties.
“The Tourism Department is not the property of the National Conference, nor can government-sponsored programmes be converted into party-sponsored spectacles merely because certain individuals presently hold office,” he added.
Expressing serious concern over the politicisation of official platforms, Er. Sahil Bashir Bhat said that constitutional positions are being misused to blur the line between governance and party politics.
“Such behaviour weakens democratic institutions and creates a dangerous precedent where official machinery becomes a tool for political image-building rather than public service,”
he said.
The BJP spokesperson reminded the National Conference leadership that holding ministerial office is a constitutional responsibility and not a licence for political exploitation of government resources.
“Those occupying public office are duty-bound to uphold constitutional morality, administrative neutrality, and ethical governance. Unfortunately, the events witnessed at Panchan Pathri reflected arrogance of power and complete disregard for democratic norms,”
Er. Sahil Bashir Bhat stated.
He further said that the people of the UT of Jammu & Kashmir have repeatedly witnessed attempts by certain political parties to monopolise government institutions for political survival instead of focusing on genuine developmental priorities.
“Rather than concentrating on employment generation, tourism infrastructure, and upliftment of local communities, the National Conference appears more interested in converting every public event into a political theatre for self-promotion,”
he remarked.
Reaffirming BJP’s commitment towards transparent governance and constitutional values, Er. Sahil Bashir Bhat said that tourism promotion should unite people and strengthen the economy of Jammu & Kashmir instead of becoming an instrument of political manipulation.
“Panchan Pathri deserves sustainable infrastructure, better connectivity, employment opportunities for local youth, and serious tourism planning not politically motivated publicity exercises funded by the public exchequer,”
he added.
The BJP has demanded that the concerned authorities take immediate cognisance of the misuse of official platforms and ensure strict adherence to constitutional principles and administrative propriety in all future government programmes. (JKNS)
