BJP Distances Itself From Slogan on Kashmiri Women After Backlash
Party says controversial slogan raised during Article 370 anniversary rally does not reflect its ideology or official position.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has distanced itself from a slogan raised during a rally marking the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 that drew widespread criticism for being allegedly derogatory to Kashmiri women.
The controversy erupted after BJP activists, including senior leader Muhammad Yusuf Sofi and several women participants, marched through a residential locality in south Kashmir's Anantnag district chanting, "Mukhlaev Fazi hund, Azi hund izzat" ("The honour of Fazi and Azi has vanished").
In Kashmiri culture, Fazi and Azi are traditional names often used symbolically to represent Kashmiri women with affection and respect. The slogan sparked sharp reactions from political parties, civil society groups and social media users, who viewed it as an insult to the dignity of Kashmiri women.
Historically, National Conference (NC) leaders, including Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah and Piyare Lal Handoo, invoked the names while defending Article 370 through the slogan, "Fazihyund izzat, Azihyund izzat; 370, 370," asserting that the constitutional provision protected the dignity of Kashmiris, including women.
The BJP said the controversial slogan was raised by "some individuals" and did not reflect the party's ideology or official position. The party reiterated its commitment to protecting the dignity of women and said it does not endorse defamatory or derogatory remarks against any individual or community.
BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur said the party's record on women's empowerment, including support for 33 per cent reservation for women, demonstrates its commitment to enhancing women's participation in public life. He maintained that the slogan should not be attributed to the BJP as an organisation and stressed that the party does not approve of language that undermines democratic values or personal dignity.
Thakur said the BJP remains committed to maintaining political decorum, promoting issue-based politics and strengthening women's role in governance and public affairs. He added that the party's approach is guided by constitutional values, mutual respect and responsible political engagement.
Reaffirming its support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of women-led development, the BJP said respect for women remains a core principle of its ideology and governance agenda. It said the party does not condone rhetoric that demeans Kashmiri women or exploits their symbolic identity for political purposes.