 "BJP seeks apology from Geelani for 'mischievous' claims")
The BJP Saturday sought an apology from hardline Kashmiri separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani over his claims that two people had approached him as Narendra Modi's emissaries, saying such remarks were mischievous and aimed at creating confusion among people.
Referring to Geelani's remarks, the Bharatiya Janata Party said Kashmir was an integral part of the country and there was no room for deliberations on the issue.
"The BJP categorically rejects these reports. They are mischievous, without basis and are aimed at creating confusion among people," the party said in a release.
Narendra Modi is the prime ministerial candidate of the BJP.
"No emissary has either tried to meet or met Geelani to discuss the Kashmir issue. On the Kashmir issue, the BJP's stand is very clear - that Kashmir is an integral part of India and there cannot be any room for deliberations on this," the party said.
It said the BJP has also condemned the negative role played by leaders such as Geelani "whose politics is a threat to the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir".
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The party said if Geelani has made these claims, the onus lies on him to present the complete picture and name the individuals who purportedly met him on behalf of Modi.
"If he fails to do so, which we are sure he will, he should apologize to the people of India," the party said.
The BJP said it also condemns the manner in which "elected representatives and those who hold important offices, most notably from Kashmir are encouraging such lies only to serve their political interests".
Geelani had told media persons Friday in Srinagar that two Kashmiri Pandits had called on him in Delhi, asking him to engage in a dialogue with Modi. He also claimed the two people had said they had approached him as Modi's emissaries.