What Did BJP Do For Kashmiri Pandits In Last 8 Years, Asks Delhi Dy CM Manish Sisodia

Manish Sisodia on Monday slammed the BJP government for doing politics over the Kashmiri Pandit exodus, asking what have the party done for the relocation of Kashmiri pandits in the last 8 years.

New Delhi: Amidst the ongoing controversy over the film 'The Kashmir Files,' Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Monday slammed the BJP government for doing politics over the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits. In an address in the Delhi Assembly, Sisodia asked what BJP did for the relocation of Kashmiri Pandits in the last 8 years.

"BJP is worried for Kashmir Files but not Kashmiri Pandits. CM Kejriwal did a lot for Kashmiri Pandits, granted permanent status to 223 teachers even in absence of documents, streamlined pension system, provided Rs 3000/head per month to Kashmiri Pandits in Delhi," Sisodia said.

"Kashmiri Pandits across the country want an opportunity to go back to Kashmir. BJP is in power for 8 years now. What did they do for Kashmiri Pandits?" he said.

In his address in the Delhi Assembly, Sisodia said that the whopping Rs 200 crore earned from the film 'The Kashmir Files' should be used for the welfare of the displaced Kashmiri Pandits and the reconstruction of their homes. He stressed that the community's pain should be felt by people rather than "sold in crores." 

''I have not been able to watch the film, as I was busy with the (Delhi) budget, so I cannot comment on the quality of the film. But, it's fine that a film has been made about the suffering of the Kashmiri Pandit community, and it should be seen by everyone. But, their pains should be felt by other people, and not that their pain is sold in crores," Sisodia was quoted by PTI in its report.

"And, this Rs 200 crore should be used for the welfare of Kashmiri Pandits, those who had to leave their home and hearth in 1989-1990. In fact, a new foundation in their name should be made and that money (earned from the film) should be offered to it. Or, many such foundations already exist, so a little more money ('chanda') should be added to it, and given to them, so that this money can be used to rebuild their burnt homes, rejuvenate their faded orchards," Sisodia said in an emotive address in the Assembly.

The controversial film, directed by Vivek Agnihotri and starring Anupam Kher and other senior actors, sparked a heated debate about Kashmiri Pandit concerns and grossed more than Rs 200 crore at the box office.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal recently stated in the Assembly that the movie should be made available for free on YouTube so that everyone may view it. The BJP in Delhi has been lobbying for the film to be tax-free in the capital.

(With agencies' inputs)