There has been a strong backlash from both the BJP and Congress, who termed the new political map “mischievous and ridiculous”. While CM Vijay Rupani said that the new map is a glaring example of how disconnected Pakistan is from reality, senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said such mindless attempts expose Pakistan’s nefarious designs.
In a tweet, Gujaray chief minister Vijay Rupani said, “This so called “political map” of Pakistan released by Prime Minister Imran Khan today is a glaring example of how disconnected Pakistan PM is with ground realities. Pakistan will never succeed in its wicked design of undermining the unity and integrity of India. This action of Pakistan is both preposterous and obnoxious. Gujarat condemns this absurd act of Pakistan unequivocally.”
Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Ahmed Patel also tweeted, “Ridiculous & mischievous of Pakistan to show J&K, Ladakh, Junagadh & Manavdar as part of Pakistan. I want to remind them that due to Sardar Patel’s tireless efforts in 1948, people of Junagadh unanimously chose to be a part of India. Publishing imaginary maps will not reverse these facts. These mindless attempts expose Pakistan’s nefarious designs. J&K, Ladakh & Junagadh are an integral part of India.”
The nawab of the princely state of Junagadh had expressed his desire to accede to Pakistan during partition in 1947, but the people opted to remain with India. After a brief clash with Pakistan, Junagadh was included within the Indian union by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, then India’s home minister. Manavadar is a town in Junagadh district.
Talking to TOI, C R Paatil, state BJP President said, “The whole of India is celebrating the foundation stone laying of the Ram temple. All the communities in India are celebrating this historic event and Pakistan is sending terrorists to India to create disturbance. Pakistan PM’s false claims of showing Junagadh and Manavadar and other parts of India as theirs in a so called new political map is just a publicity stunt.”
Paresh Dhanani, leader of opposition (LOP) and Congress leader said, “Pakistan is known for such provocative statements. Junagadh and Manavadar are an integral part of India which Sardar Patel included in India in 1947. This is history known to the world.”
