J&K BJP president Sat Sharma orders immediate suspension from all party posts; disciplinary proceedings initiated
*Adv. Sunil Sethi says BJP will not compromise on integrity, accountability and ethical conduct in public life*
Srinagar, Aug 11: The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has suspended its Pulwama district president, Er. Syed Showkat Gayoor from all official positions following the registration of an FIR alleging extortion against him.
The suspension was ordered by J&K BJP president Sat Sharma on the recommendation of the party’s Chief Spokesperson, Advocate Sunil Sethi, who is also the chairman disciplinary who sought immediate disciplinary action, saying the seriousness of the allegations demanded a firm organisational response.
In a statement, Sethi said the BJP has always adhered to the highest standards of morality, transparency and accountability and cannot afford to allow any controversy to undermine the trust reposed in it by the people.
“The allegations against Er. Syed Showkat Gayoor are of a serious nature. While the law will take its own course and every individual is entitled to due process, the Bharatiya Janata Party has an equally important responsibility to uphold its organisational values and ethical standards. Any office-bearer facing such grave allegations cannot continue to hold a responsible organisational position until the matter is examined through the party’s disciplinary mechanism,” Sethi said.
He said the recommendation for suspension was made solely to protect the credibility and reputation of the party and should not be interpreted as a verdict on the merits of the criminal case.
“Our commitment to probity in public life is unwavering. The BJP has always believed that public representatives and party functionaries must remain accountable to the people and to the organisation. Suspension pending disciplinary proceedings is a necessary institutional measure to ensure fairness, preserve public confidence and maintain the party’s high moral standards,” Sethi said.
He added that the disciplinary proceedings would be conducted in accordance with the BJP’s constitution and established procedures, ensuring that the office-bearer is given a fair opportunity to present his case.
“The party believes in both accountability and natural justice. The inquiry will proceed independently, and an appropriate decision will be taken after the disciplinary process is completed. However, maintaining the dignity and integrity of the organisation must remain paramount,” Sethi said.
Following Sethi’s recommendation, BJP president Sat Sharma approved Gayoor’s immediate suspension from all official positions, including that of district president, Pulwama, pending the completion of the disciplinary proceedings. The party said the action reflects its policy of maintaining strict organisational discipline and zero tolerance towards conduct that could adversely affect its public image.
