My resignation can save image of party: BJP minister who backed Kathua accused

Chandra Prakash Ganga, one of the two BJP ministers who defended the men accused in the Kathua gang-rape case, resigned earlier today. Ganga stated that his resignation did not come under any pressure but in order to save the "image" of his party.

Ganga further added that he has "never done politics for power".

"I have demanded a CBI enquiry in this matter. I have never done politics for power. There was no pressure on me to resign, I have done it by myself. If my resignation can save the image of my party, I will give this sacrifice," Ganga told reporters.

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Meanwhile, reports suggest that the two BJP ministers handed in their resignations owing to mounting public pressure. The Mufti-led government demanded their resignation.

According to senior BJP leader Ram Madhav, the resignation of the ministers was to address the fears of not only its ally PDP and the people of Jammu and Kashmir but also the entire nation.

Madhav, who is the party's general secretary in-charge of the state, said state party president Sat Sharma will send the resignations to the chief minister.

Forest Minister Lal Singh and Industries Minister Chander Prakash Ganga tendered their resignations in view of a perception being created, he said. Both the ministers had addressed a rally in support of the accused by a group called the Hindu Ekta Manch.

Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had condemned the march.

"Appalled by the marches and protests in defence of the recently apprehended rapist in Kathua. Also horrified by their use of our national flag in these demonstrations, this is nothing short of desecration. The accused has been arrested and the law will follow its course," Mufti tweeted.

(With inputs from PTI)