Action taken on recommendation of disciplinary committee chairman Sunil Sethi; proceedings initiated
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 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 party Chief Spokesperson and Disciplinary Committee Chairman Advocate Sunil Sethi, who sought immediate disciplinary action in view of the allegations.
In a statement, Sethi said the BJP was committed to maintaining standards of morality, transparency and accountability and could not allow any controversy 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 said any office-bearer facing serious allegations should not continue to hold a responsible organisational position while the matter is being examined through the party’s disciplinary mechanism.
Sethi clarified that the recommendation for suspension was intended to protect the credibility and reputation of the party and should not be construed 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,” he said.
He added that the disciplinary proceedings would be conducted in accordance with the BJP’s constitution and established procedures, giving Gayoor an 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 positions, including the post of Pulwama district president, pending completion of the disciplinary proceedings.
The BJP said the action reflected its policy of maintaining organisational discipline and zero tolerance towards conduct that could adversely affect its public image.
