Facing public outcry, the BJP on Thursday (August 6, 2025) distanced itself from the slogans, which allegedly berated women of Kashmir, raised during a celebratory rally held in south Kashmir’s Anantnag on the seventh anniversary of abrogation of Article 370 on August 5.

“The slogans allegedly raised by some individuals should not be attributed to the BJP as an organisation. The party does not endorse any defamatory or derogatory remarks against anyone. The party will take action against such individuals,” said BJP spokesman Altaf Thakur.

The BJP statement came a day after the party activists allegedly raised slogans, referring to popular women names Aazi and Fazi in Kashmir. “Moukloy Aazi hund te Faazi hund izzat [Honour of Aazi and Fazi has ended],” said the slogans, in a procession taken out by senior BJP leader Sofi Yousuf.

“The party has always upheld the dignity and honour of women and that the 33% reservation for women reflects its commitment to women’s empowerment. The BJP remains committed to political decorum, issue-based politics and strengthening the participation of women in public life,” said Mr. Thakur.

He said the party’s policies and public conduct are guided by the principles of respect, democracy and constitutional values.

Ruling National Conference said the apology tendered by the BJP spokesman “was not enough”. “Aazi and Fazi are not just names; they are our mothers, our sisters, our identity. Mocking them was an insult to every Kashmiri and to our culture. Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma should tender a public apology,” said NC leader and legislator Tanvir Sadiq.

He said some insults were not directed at individuals but “at an entire society”.