Meri fat-ti thi wo kisko bataoon? Ex-Home Minister admits fear of visiting Kashmir | WATCH

New Delhi: Former Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde made startling admissions about his tenure, revealing he felt scared to visit Kashmir during his time in office. His comments, delivered at the launch of his memoir 'Five Decades of Politics,' have triggered a wave of criticism from the BJP.

At a recent book launch event in Delhi, Shinde shared an anecdote from his tenure as Home Minister from August 2012 to May 2014. He recounted advice he received from educationist Vijay Dhar, who suggested he visit prominent locations in Srinagar, including Lal Chowk and Dal Lake, to gain a deeper understanding of the region. 

I told you this just to make you laugh: Shinde's admission

Shinde noted, "That advice gave me publicity and people thought that here is a Home Minister who goes there without any fear, lekin meri fat’ti thi wo kisko bataoon? (but who do I tell that I was scared?) I told you this just to make you laugh, but an ex-Policeman can’t speak like this." His remarks highlighted the challenging security situation in Kashmir during his tenure.

Watch the video here:

#WATCH | Delhi: At the launch of his memoir 'Five Decades of Politics', Congress leader Sushilkumar Shinde says, "Before I became the Home Minister, I visited him (educationist Vijay Dhar). I used to ask him for advice. He advised me to not roam around but to visit Lal Chowk (in… pic.twitter.com/MJ4QhrKbwa

— ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2024

BJP's response

In response to Shinde’s remarks, BJP leaders have been quick to highlight the contrasts between his era and the current administration. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav remarked, "The difference is clear. During Congress rule, the Home Minister was scared to venture out in Kashmir. In the Modi era, 2-3 crore tourists visit Jammu and Kashmir yearly. The abrogation of Article 370 has strengthened democracy, reduced the influence of corrupt political dynasties, and positively transformed the lives of Kashmiris."

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla added, "Today, Rahul Gandhi was seen doing Bharat Jodo Yatra and snow fighting in Kashmir. But National Conference and Congress want to take J&K back to the days of terror." The BJP has credited the revocation of Article 370 with a significant reduction in militancy in the region.

Abrogation of Article 370

Article 370, which granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, was revoked on August 5, 2019. This constitutional provision allowed the state to have its own constitution, flag, and control over internal matters, excluding defense, communications, and foreign affairs. The government’s decision to abrogate Article 370 restructured Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.