The Mayor, Jammu attracted strong opposition recently for raising undemocratic and threatening slogans in presence of localites at a peaceful function . In a video clip of an inaugration event for an open Gym at a park held at Greater Kailash (Ward 68), he can be seen as raising incendiary slogans saying "jo hamse takrayega seedha upar jayega" meaning "whoever will go against us will go straight up". In the said function, the concerned BJP Corporator, BJP workers and Deputy Mayor are also present along with some local residents of the area. Former Minister J&K Yogesh Sawhney reacted strongly against the actions of the Mayor and expressed his disappointment calling his words shameful and inflammatory. "The slogans which were chanted seemed to threaten anyone who goes against the BJP and their tyrannic policies. What is meant by 'seedha upar jayega'? Isn't this an open threat of violence publicly given by an official who currently heads an entire city?"
Sawhney demanded that an FIR is lodged against the perpetrators for attempting to perpetuate such threats not just to the opposition parties but the people of the city. The fact that such slogans, which are not only partisan but clearly undemocratic, atrocious and threatening, were raised by the Mayor himself shows how deep in mud the administration really is. The Mayor, as the Father of the City, is supposed to protect the people, and instead he is seen giving open threats. If people are standing against the BJP today in various areas of Jammu and protesting, it is because they are not provided their basic rights, and their basic needs aren't fulfilled by this government or this administration. They're protesting when they face problems concerning their basic amenities such as water or drainage or even traffic. And the Mayor of the City has the audacity to say that "whoever will rise against them will go straight up" in a public gathering.
Hate speeches and threatening slogans, have become the new norm for the BJP leaders across the country and the people of Jammu are waking up to these atrocities now, Sawhney said. "The BJP needs to be reminded that this is a democracy we live in and threatening the people who don't support their party or who oppose them is tyrannic, oppressive and dictatorial, three ideals which seem to form the core of the BJP regime." Sawhney also demanded that the Mayor must step forward and explain in the open who they are threatening and what do they mean by the phrase "seedha upar jayega".
Furthermore, the Former Minister stated "The BJP leaders are perhaps implying that whoever is not in support of their party, will suffer miserable oppression at their hands as they currently possess enormous political power. Finally, the question we need to ask ourselves as citizens of a proudly democratic country is this - Is there a place for such statements and leaders in our political landscape? And do we as a people become tolerant to tyrants disguised as our leaders?"