BJP Anantnag Rift: Suspended Leaders Allege ₹3.5 Lakh Tent Permit Row During Amarnath Yatra, NC MLAs Deny Any Tent Quota
Arif Rashid
ANN EXCLUSIVE | ANANTNAG: The internal rift within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Anantnag has intensified, with suspended party office-bearers levelling serious allegations over the allotment of tent sites during the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
In exclusive video statements recorded by ANN News, the suspended BJP leaders have alleged that money was sought in connection with permissions for tent facilities during the Yatra. One of the leaders alleged that ₹3.5 lakh was collected in connection with arrangements for around 50 tents, claiming that the concerned persons were subsequently unable to obtain the expected permissions and suffered financial losses.
The allegations have also been reported by The Telegraph, which quoted suspended BJP leaders making similar claims against BJP Anantnag district general secretary Abid Nengroo.
However, Nengroo has rejected the allegations, describing them as baseless. According to The Telegraph, he maintained that the money referred to by the complainant was connected to a personal loan and had nothing to do with the allotment of Amarnath Yatra tent sites. He also said that legal proceedings had been initiated against the person making the allegations.
BJP Anantnag president Rakesh Koul has reportedly backed Nengroo’s version, maintaining that the dispute relates to a financial transaction between the individuals concerned.
NC MLAs Deny Any Tent Quota
As part of its own verification, ANN News contacted several National Conference (NC) MLAs to ascertain whether any quota of tent sites during the Amarnath Yatra had been allotted to legislators.
The MLAs denied having any such quota or involvement in the allotment of Yatra tents. They told ANN that they do not deal with the matter and that the allotment and related permissions are handled by the Anantnag district administration.
The clarification assumes significance as allegations have been raised regarding the collection of money and the alleged use of influence for securing tent permissions.
BJP Orders Inquiry
Meanwhile, BJP Jammu and Kashmir general secretary Anwar Khan has said that the party has constituted a team to examine the allegations made by both sides. The party leadership is expected to ascertain the facts and take action if any wrongdoing is established.
The controversy comes at a time when the BJP’s Anantnag unit is already facing internal tensions and disciplinary action against several local office-bearers.
The allegations have also brought renewed focus on the system for allotment of temporary tent sites during the Amarnath Yatra, including the role of the district administration and the mechanism through which permissions are granted.
While the suspended leaders have made specific allegations regarding money and tent permissions, the individuals named in the allegations have denied any wrongdoing. The matter therefore remains subject to verification and investigation.
ANN News has independently spoken to elected representatives to ascertain whether any MLA quota exists for Amarnath Yatra tent allotments. The NC MLAs contacted by ANN denied any such quota and said the matter falls under the district administration.
ANN is also in possession of the exclusive video statements of the suspended BJP office-bearers, in which they make the allegations.
ANN has not independently established the allegations of corruption. All allegations mentioned in this report are attributed to the individuals who made them, while responses and denials from the concerned persons have also been incorporated.
