Won't Allow Anybody to Play With Nation's Integrity: Rajnath Singh

Talking over the release of separatist Masarat Alam, the Home Minister said the government was ready to make any 'sacrifice' for national integrity.

NEW DELHI: Under attack over release of separatist Masarat Alam in Jammu and Kashmir, government on Monday admitted to "ideological differences" between BJP and PDP and said it is ready to make any "sacrifice" for national integrity.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh asserted in Rajya Sabha that no one, howsoever powerful, will be allowed to play with the unity and integrity of the country as he sought to allay concerns of members over Alam's release.

Here is what Rajnath said

• The Centre has "no hidden agenda" or behind the scene talks" over government formation in Jammu and Kashmir.
• We have sought answers from the state government over the decision to release Alam. The response was not satisfactory and more clarifications have been sought. If need be, a stern advisory will be issued to the state government.
• There is no doubt that there are ideological differences between BJP and PDP. We have never had any relationship with the PDP in the past. They are with us only for 10 days. Whatever influence is there, it must be yours on them. You had been with them in power in ast.. (Congress has had a coalition government with PDP in the state earlier.)
• Jammu and Kashmir was, is and will be an integral part of the country. No one howsoever powerful will be allowed to play with the security, unity and integrity of India. We are ready to give any sacrifice that is required.
• There is "no question of any compromise with a traitor."
• Our agenda is never hidden. Our agenda is always very open. We are not the one who operate behind curtains. The meeting between Modi and Mufti Mohammed Sayeed ahead of government formation was "normal courtesy". Centre will not shy away from doing so
• The formation of government with PDP in the state was necessitated due a fractured mandate and BJP joined hands with an intent of ensuring that the state develops and flourishes.

Singh also shifted the blame on the previous Congress-NC government for not referring the matter of Alam's detention under the Public Safety Act in September 2014 to the Advisory Board and accused it of sitting over it for over three months.