Avinash Azad
Senior journalist Ahmad Ali Fayaz accused the BJP Anantnag unit of making what he described as a revealing admission about political opportunism and shifting loyalties in the region.
In a post on X, Fayaz alleged that people who were seen on the streets on August 5 “triumphantly trampling the honour and dignity” of Kashmiri women were the same individuals who later celebrated Pakistan’s victory in a cricket match with firecrackers.
Fayaz described the development as potentially “the first admission” from within the BJP ecosystem that some individuals had entered the party’s political shelter primarily for personal interests, protection and access to power.
Calling the phenomenon “amphibianism,” Fayaz drew a parallel with the political expression “washing machine,” alleging that certain politicians change political positions according to circumstances and the prevailing balance of power.
“They sail as per the direction of the wind,” Fayaz said in his post, arguing that such individuals could change sides within hours when political circumstances change.
The senior journalist further questioned the practice of granting political legitimacy and protection to individuals despite their alleged past affiliations or conduct.
Fayaz’s central argument, however, was that the issue should not simply be framed as a question of loyalty to India or Pakistan. Instead, he argued that political hypocrisy and opportunism represent the larger problem.
“In J&K, hypocritical amphibianism is the problem; loyalty to India or Pakistan is not,” Fayaz concluded.
At the same time, the specific allegations regarding the identity of individuals involved, their alleged conduct on August 5 and the reported celebrations following Pakistan’s cricket victory require independent verification.
Meanwhile, after a video showing the incident went viral, the BJP Anantnag district president, Rakesh Koul, expelled the nine party workers involved in the celebration over the abrogation of Article 370, following the raising of slogans that were widely seen as disrespectful towards Kashmiri women.
