DH NEWS SERVICE
jammu, May 1
The recent remarks by Farooq Abdullah casting aspersions on the integrity and professionalism of India’s security forces are deeply unfortunate, irresponsible, and politically motivated.
At a time when the people of West Bengal have witnessed one of the most peaceful and participative elections in their recent history, such statements amount to nothing less than an attempt to undermine public confidence in the very institutions that safeguard our democracy. It reflects a deeply flawed understanding of electoral integrity and exposes the political discomfort of leaders long accustomed to selective interpretations of democracy.
Reacting strongly, BJP J&K-UT spokesperson and former MLC G. L. Raina stated that the record voter turnout—crossing 90 percent, speaks for itself. This unprecedented participation reflects the trust of citizens in a system where they were able to exercise their democratic rights without fear, intimidation, or violence. It naturally disturbs leaders who have been beneficiaries of lower voter turnout.
Raina emphasized that this transformation in West Bengal like Kashmir was made possible by the firm and impartial conduct of the Election Commission of India, supported by the disciplined deployment of central security forces. “To question this framework is to question the very conditions that enabled free and fair elections,” he said.
The objection raised by the National Conference president to the deployment of central forces in West Bengal exposes a deeper discomfort—not with the process, but with its outcome.
For the first time in years, the state witnessed an election largely free from the shadow of violence that had long plagued its electoral history. No killings, no bomb blasts, no systemic intimidation—just voters exercising their democratic rights in peace.
“This transformation did not happen in a vacuum,” Raina added. “It was made possible by the combined efforts of the Election Commission and the unwavering commitment of India’s security forces. Record voter participation is not a coincidence—it is a consequence of restored faith in the system.”
He further pointed out the irony that leaders like Dr. Farooq Abdullah, who themselves remain under constant protection of these very forces, choose to malign their credibility for political convenience. Such selective criticism exposes a clear pattern—institutions are respected only when they serve narrow political interests.
India’s security forces have earned their reputation through decades of sacrifice, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to national duty. Baseless allegations against them are not only unjustified but also detrimental to the morale of those who stand as the first line of defence for the nation and its democratic processes.
“We strongly condemn this deliberate attempt to spread mistrust against constitutional bodies and security institutions,” Raina asserted.
India’s democracy is strengthened when institutions are respected, not when they are targeted for short-term political gains. The people of India have repeatedly demonstrated their faith in free and fair elections, and no amount of motivated rhetoric can diminish that truth.
