3 weeks ago
Amarnath Yatra tent permit row sparks corruption allegations in BJP
In India, a big political party is called the BJP.
Some people in the party said mean words about mothers from Kashmir, and many people were upset.
The party punished nine of its workers for this.
But two workers who were punished said the party was actually angry at them for another reason.
They said one leader asked for money to let people put up tents for a long walking trip called the Amarnath Yatra.
People on this trip walk to a holy mountain and need places to stay.
One worker said he collected money from people and gave it to the leader.
The leader said that is not true, and that the money was just a returned loan.
The party has now sent people to find out what really happened, saying there may be corruption on both sides.
The BJP's internal rift in South Kashmir came to light after nine office-bearers of its Anantnag unit were suspended over derogatory slogans against Kashmiri mothers.
Suspended Pahalgam constituency in-charge Waheed Ahmad Itoo alleged Anantnag district general secretary Abid Nengroo sought a bribe for Amarnath Yatra tent permissions.
Itoo said he paid ₹3.5 lakh — ₹1.75 lakh via bank transfer and the rest in cash — for 50 tents, but the people who paid got no permission and suffered losses.
Nengroo dismissed the allegation as baseless, saying Itoo had returned borrowed money from him, and filed a court case against Itoo.
Jammu and Kashmir BJP general secretary Anwar Khan said a team has been deputed to investigate, adding 'there are corrupt people on both sides.'
- Who
- Nine office-bearers of the BJP's Anantnag unit, including Pahalgam constituency in-charge Waheed Ahmad Itoo and district general secretary Abid Nengroo
- What
- An internal BJP rift involving derogatory slogans and corruption allegations over bribes for Amarnath Yatra tent permits
- Where
- Anantnag district and Pahalgam in South Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir
- When
- Recently; a legal notice in the dispute was issued on July 1 and nine office-bearers were suspended on a Friday
- Why
- Suspended leaders allege they were targeted for flagging corruption in tent allotments under the discretionary quota
Accusers' Side
Party Leadership's Side
Tent permit bribes
Accusers' Side
Waheed Ahmad Itoo alleges Abid Nengroo sought a bribe of ₹7.5 lakh for 50 tent permissions and says he paid ₹3.5 lakh, with bank transfer evidence.
Party Leadership's Side
Nengroo calls the allegation baseless, says Itoo was merely returning borrowed money, and has filed a court case; Anantnag BJP president Rakesh Koul says the issue is unrelated to the party.
Reason for suspensions
Accusers' Side
Suspended leaders say they were targeted for flagging corruption in the BJP's Anantnag unit and apologised for the slogans.
Party Leadership's Side
The party says the nine office-bearers were removed for raising derogatory slogans against Kashmiri mothers; general secretary Anwar Khan says those involved in mud-slinging will not be spared.
Key facts
- Party
- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
- Office-bearers suspended
- 9 from the Anantnag unit over derogatory slogans
- Alleged bribe demand
- ₹7.5 lakh for permission for 50 Yatra tents
- Amount paid by Itoo
- ₹3.5 lakh (₹1.75 lakh bank transfer, rest in cash)
- Amount claimed owed
- ₹8.25 lakh by Itoo from Nengroo
- Discretionary quota
- 5-10% of tent sites allotted by district administration
- Legal action
- Nengroo sent a legal notice on July 1 and later filed a court case
- Investigation
- Two state secretaries and Bilal Sahab deputed to investigate
Quotes
Waheed Ahmad Itoo
Suspended Pahalgam constituency in-charge of BJP Anantnag unit
“I came to Pahalgam and told me that he can manage space for 50 tents for which I had to pay ₹7.5 lakh. I managed ₹3.5 lakh and transferred ₹1.75 lakh through bank transactions and the rest in cash.”
telegraphindia.com
“Allegations can be levelled against anybody. It is unfortunate that they are engaging in mud‑slinging. But those involved in it will not be spared.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
Related news
BJP Leader Booked Over Amarnath Tent and Job Scam
BJP Suspends Pulwama District President Over Extortion FIR
BJP Suspends Nine Activists Over Derogatory Slogans Against Kashmiri Women
Amarnath Yatra Suspended Amid Security On Article 370 Anniversary
BJP, National Conference Hold Rival Protests Across Srinagar Streets
Amarnath Yatra Suspended From August 9 Amid Rain, Track Damage
Ayodhya Temple CEO Appointment Faces Opposition Donation Allegations
Telangana BJP Alleges Congress, BRS Avoid Hyderabad Liberation Day
Haryana sanitation workers’ strike puts BJP government under pressure
Rival NC-BJP Protests Roil J&K as Police Halt Marches
Shivakumar Calls BJP Padayatra Cover-Up for Internal Crisis
