Suspension Ordered on Recommendation of Disciplinary Committee Chairman Sunil Sethi; Party Initiates Disciplinary Proceedings
Srinagar, August 11 :
The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has suspended its Pulwama district president, Er. Syed Showkat Gayoor Andrabi, from all official party 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 BJP Chief Spokesperson and Disciplinary Committee Chairman Advocate Sunil Sethi, who called for immediate organisational action in view of the seriousness of the allegations.
In a statement, Sunil Sethi said the BJP remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, accountability and ethical conduct in public life, and that no controversy should be allowed to undermine public confidence in the organisation.
“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,” Sethi said.
He maintained that an office-bearer facing serious allegations should not continue to occupy a responsible organisational position while the matter is being examined through the party’s disciplinary mechanism.
Sethi clarified that the recommendation for suspension was aimed at protecting the credibility and reputation of the party and should not be construed as a finding of guilt in 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,” he said.
According to Sethi, suspension pending disciplinary proceedings is an institutional measure intended to ensure fairness, preserve public confidence and uphold the party’s organisational standards.
He further said the disciplinary proceedings against Gayoor would be conducted strictly in accordance with the BJP constitution and established procedures, while ensuring that the concerned office-bearer receives 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,” Sethi said.
Following the recommendation, Sat Sharma approved Gayoor’s immediate suspension from all official party positions, including the post of District President, Pulwama, pending completion of the disciplinary proceedings.
The BJP said the action demonstrates its policy of strict organisational discipline and zero tolerance towards conduct that may adversely affect the party’s public image and credibility.
The party also reiterated that the criminal allegations will be subject to the due process of law, while its internal disciplinary mechanism will independently examine the matter.(KNC)