Janata Dal (United) leader Gulam Rasool Balywai stoked a controversy when he demanded at least 30 per cent reservation for Muslims in the Indian Army. He also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for “hiding” behind the Army to cover up its “crimes”.
While speaking to media on the anniversary of 2019 Pulwama terror attack, Balyawi launched an attack on the saffron party saying, “The BJP hides behind the Army to cover up its mistakes. The BJP has compromised with the blood of the soldiers for votes. They have taken advantage of the sacrifices, bravery & martyrdom of our forces.”
He went on to say that the BJP takes “shelter” under the name of the Army like “absconders” when the party is at fault.
Before asserting that people of the country have faith in the Army, the JD(U) leader demanded a reservation of 30 per cent for the Muslims in the Armed forces.
Reacting to his remark, senior party leader and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar rebuked Balyawi and assured that an explanation would be taken from him for his demand.
“A lot of people have a habit of speaking many things. I will ask him sometime what he has said,” said Kumar.
The JD(U) leader’s remark came on the occasion of the fourth anniversary of Pulwama terror attack in which 40 of the CRPF jawans were killed in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama.
