J&K Dy CM calls Kathua rape 'small issue', BJP-PDP faces backlash: Updates

The Kathua rape and murder case saw some more controversy on Monday, even as the Mehbooba Mufti-led Jammu & Kashmir government was undergoing a Cabinet reshuffle, thanks to some remarks by the newly appointed deputy chief minister Kavinder Gupta. Mufti's People's Democratic Party (PDP) is in power in the state in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

While Gupta termed the case as a "small issue", the induction of BJP MLA Rajiv Jasrotia, who was part of the rally held in support of those accused in the Kathua rape and murder case, in the Cabinet raised questions on the ruling BJP-PDP alliance's stand on the case.

Opposition parties slammed the state government over the issue. J&K's main Opposition National Conference condemned Jasotia's appointment as a minister and raised questions over the nature of alliance between BJP and PDP.

"Why are the BJP/ @MehboobaMufti confused about where they stand on the #Kathua rape?," former J&K chief minister and NC leader Omar abdullah tweeted on Monday.