Srinagar, Sept. 6 -- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Altaf Thakur today defended J&K Waqf Board Vice Chairperson Darakhshan Andrabi, terming the uproar over the placement of the national emblem at Hazratbal shrine a "pre-planned conspiracy" aimed at disturbing peace and reaping political benefits.
Addressing a press conference, Thakur said the Ashoka emblem was not just a carving but "the very identity of India," visible on passports, Aadhaar cards, and official insignia.
"If someone had an objection, they could have approached the Waqf Board chairperson. But the way they chose was that of terrorists and a line of Osama Bin Laden," he said.
A major political storm erupted yesterday after a group of men and women worshipers defaced th...