Srinagar, Nov 17 (KNO): National Conference President Farooq Abdullah on Saturday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using the abrogation of Article 370 as a political tool to weaken the Congress and secure electoral victories in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, stating that national conference will remain with the Congress party come what may.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) speaking to reporters in Jammu after attending a private function, Abdullah expressed confidence in the strength of the opposition INDIA alliance and its prospects in the upcoming elections in the two states.
“The BJP is targeting Article 370 to attack the Congress and strengthen its position in elections. But we will not allow the Congress to be weakened. I am hopeful that the INDIA alliance will emerge victorious in Maharashtra and Jharkhand,” Abdullah said.
Abdullah reiterated his belief that Jammu and Kashmir would regain its statehood. Addressing skepticism around the timeline for this restoration, he said, “Statehood will be restored; I have no doubt about it. Some people earlier claimed there would be no elections in Jammu and Kashmir, but elections were held. Similarly, statehood will be returned.”
His statement comes amidst ongoing demands from various political quarters for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood, a status it lost in August 2019 when the BJP-led central government revoked Article 370 and reorganized the region into two Union Territories.
When asked about Congress leaders’ comments regarding the absence of a reference to Article 370’s restoration in the party’s recent resolution in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah defended the Congress, citing political pressures.
“The Congress has its own motives in this regard. They are being attacked relentlessly by the BJP, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah leading the charge. This targeting is part of their election strategy,” Abdullah stated.
He dismissed concerns about divisions within the opposition, reiterating the resolve of the INDIA alliance to stand united against the BJP’s tactics.
Abdullah also responded sharply to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on proposed changes to the Waqf Act. “He is acting like the owner of India, as if he is the king who can do anything,” he said.
On the BJP's slogan ‘Batenge toh katnge’ (If divided, we will be cut apart), Abdullah criticized its divisive undertone. “What does this slogan even mean? Are we not one nation? India thrives on unity in diversity. Strengthening this diversity is what makes our country strong,” he said—(KNO)