Srinagar, Aug 11 (NVI) The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the BJP has suspended its Pulwama district president Syed Showkat Gayoor Andrabi from all party positions following the registration of an FIR alleging extortion against him, the party said on Tuesday.
The suspension was ordered by J&K BJP president Sat Sharma on the recommendation of the party’s disciplinary committee chairman and chief spokesperson Sunil Sethi.
Sethi said the allegations against Andrabi were serious and warranted organisational action, while stressing that the suspension should not be construed as a finding of guilt.
“While the law will take its own course and every individual is entitled to due process, the BJP has an equally important responsibility to uphold its organisational values and ethical standards,” Sethi said in a statement.
He said an office-bearer facing serious allegations should not continue to hold a responsible organisational position while the matter is being examined through the party’s disciplinary mechanism.
The BJP said disciplinary proceedings against Andrabi would be conducted in accordance with the party constitution and established procedures, with the concerned office-bearer being given an opportunity to present his case.
Sethi said the action was aimed at protecting the credibility and reputation of the party and maintaining public confidence in the organisation.
The party reiterated that the criminal allegations would be subject to due process of law and that its internal disciplinary proceedings would independently examine the matter.
Andrabi will remain suspended from all official party positions, including the post of Pulwama district president, pending completion of the disciplinary proceedings, the BJP said.(NVI)
