BJP urges INDIA alliance to put national interest above politics

Jammu, Oct 12: Jammu and Kashmir BJP Chief Spokesperson and Senior Advocate Sunil Sethi on Monday urged the INDIA Alliance to prioritise national interest over political confrontation, stressing that democratic opposition must not compromise national security, institutional stability or public order.

Sethi said every political party had the democratic right to oppose the government, question its policies and organise peaceful protests. However, he maintained that such opposition must be exercised responsibly and should not undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.

Expressing concern over the growing politicisation of issues related to national security, constitutional institutions and India's international standing, Sethi said political parties must ensure that internal divisions and disagreements were not exploited by forces hostile to the country.

He called upon the INDIA Alliance leadership to clarify its position on national security, public order and institutional stability amid political confrontations.

“Opposition to a government is a democratic right, but safeguarding the nation is a responsibility shared by every political party,” Sethi said, adding that political differences must not compromise India's security, sovereignty or constitutional institutions.

Sethi also said allegations of coordination between domestic political actors and forces hostile to India were serious matters that required credible evidence. Any instance of unlawful collaboration, foreign interference or incitement to violence, he added, should be investigated by the competent authorities in accordance with law.

Emphasising the distinction between peaceful dissent and unlawful conduct, Sethi said democratic protests were constitutional rights, but violence, intimidation and deliberate disruption of public order could not be justified in the name of political opposition.

He also questioned whether the INDIA Alliance was giving adequate attention to constructive policy alternatives on employment, economic development, public welfare and national security, arguing that political confrontation should not overshadow substantive public issues.

Referring to Jammu and Kashmir, Sethi said the region's experience underlined the importance of public confidence, communal harmony and a clear distinction between democratic disagreement and activities that threaten national security.

He urged political parties to exercise restraint while commenting on sensitive security matters and avoid statements that could deepen social divisions.

“Governments will come and go, political alliances will change, and electoral contests will continue. But the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India must remain beyond partisan bargaining,” Sethi said.

He called for a responsible political discourse that allows vigorous opposition and constitutional accountability while safeguarding national security and democratic freedoms.