New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Sudhanshu Trivedi on Saturday strongly criticised Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for what he described as "justifying" the defacing of the national emblem inscribed on the foundation stone of the renovated Hazratbal Shrine.

‘Utter disrespect’ to national emblem

Trivedi condemned Abdullah’s remarks questioning the use of the national emblem on the plaque at the shrine, calling it "utter disrespect" of a national symbol.

He said, "Utter disrespect to the national emblem by the leader of the INDI Alliance and CM of J-K. Omar Abdullah, rather than condemning the dastardly attack, tried to justify it."

The BJP MP also attacked the Congress, alleging that it amounted to insulting the Constitution.

"It shows the real face of Congress and its allies that they are ready to hit the identity and symbol of India's national pride. India's national emblem, considered as Ashok Stambh, has been adopted as the symbol of India by our founding fathers. Disrespect to it is an utter disrespect to the Constitution, integrity and identity of India," Trivedi said.

‘Nefarious mindset’ allegation against Congress

Trivedi further accused the Congress of maintaining silence on the incident, suggesting a deliberate attempt to divide the country.

"In 1993, when terrorists captured the holy shrine, nobody said that it was an utter disrespect. On this utter disrespect of the national emblem, if the Congress and its alliance are keeping mum, it shows their nefarious mindset, which is ready to divide the country on every possible line to dilute, divert and subvert nationalism," he added.

Omar Abdullah questions use of emblem at shrine

The controversy stems from remarks by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who questioned why the national emblem was placed on the foundation stone at the Hazratbal Shrine.

"The first question is whether the emblem should have been etched on the foundation stone. I have never seen the emblem being used in any religious place. So, what was the compulsion to have the emblem on the stone at Hazratbal Shrine? What was the need to put up the stone? Was work not enough?" Abdullah asked.

Linking the row to Bihar

Bringing Bihar into the debate, Trivedi also targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav.

"Samrat Ashok was born in Bihar... It seems that Congress and its allies have taken a contract to insult the symbols associated with Bihar, from Kerala to Kashmir. I want to ask Tejashwi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi that this attack on the symbol of the country's identity and your silence on it are raising very deep questions," he remarked.

Demand for apology

The BJP MP demanded that leaders of the INDIA bloc issue an apology for "defending" those behind the incident.

"Such thoughts towards the symbols associated with Bihar and Emperor Ashoka, and the National Emblem, which is also inscribed on the Constitution of Baba Saheb Ambedkar, show that by keeping the Constitution aside, they want to put their politics above it. They leave no stone unturned in insulting the symbols associated with Bihar. We want a clear and unambiguous answer from both these leaders and from all the parties of the INDIA alliance. They should apologise to the country for attempting to defend this attack on the identity of India," Trivedi added.

Viral video sparks row

The row erupted after a video went viral showing a mob defacing the national emblem carved into the foundation stone at the Hazratbal Shrine, which is undergoing redevelopment under the Waqf Board.

A controversy erupted at the revered Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar when a mob vandalised the Ashoka Emblem on the foundation stone, sparking a heated debate about national symbols and religious sentiments.

National Conference leader Tanvir Sadiq criticised the installation of the Ashoka Emblem, stating it violated Islamic principles that forbid idol worship.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti demanded action against those responsible, labelling the installation as "blasphemous" and calling for the disbandment of the Waqf Board.

The Hazratbal Shrine is a revered religious site in Srinagar, housing the holy relic of the Prophet Mohammad.

(Agency reports)