Srinagar: National Conference President Farooq Abdullah has expressed deep disappointment at the INDI bloc, especially the Congress, “not supporting” the restoration of Citizenship of Jammu and Kashmir with the “expected momentum”.
In a candid assessment of the opposition bloc, Abdullah said that while his party remains a committed member of the alliance, it has fallen short of its potential.
He also pointed to the lack of a strong and unified approach to Jammu and Kashmir issues as a major point of contention within the bloc.
“You see, this has been our biggest objection to this national alliance…we have hope that they will, with much more energy, fight for our cause. This has not happened. It is really very sad that the big party Indian National Congress has not really played the role that we expect from it,” said Abdullah. PTI in an interview.
He further urged the alliance to go beyond being a simple electoral pact, calling for more frequent meetings to address the “ignored” future of the nation.
“…it is very clear that we are not part of BJP and will never be part of it. We are part of block INDIA. I hope that the post-election alliance will come together again and address not only the national issue but also the statehood issue of Jammu and Kashmir in a much stronger manner,” he said.
Abdullah, a three-time chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, said it was “very important” to have frequent meetings of the INDIA bloc. “This alliance is not just for elections. It is for the future of this nation that is being ignored time and time again. I am very sorry to say that.” Responding to a question on the current state of democratic conditions and the political environment for new young leaders, he regretted that the opposition has not been able to project a leader “who can meet the challenges” posed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He advised opposition leaders to take a much stronger approach to the general public, “leave the air-conditioned offices” and face the “heat and dust” like a common man. “Today’s politics is very different from what it was 50 years ago,” he said, adding that today “we don’t have Gandhi, Nehru or Indira.”
Abdullah expressed the hope that the Center will take a decision on the restoration of citizenship in J&K after the process of assembly elections in various states is over.
He said that Prime Minister Modi and the government are committed, both in Parliament and the Supreme Court, to restore citizenship to J&K.
“Now, how long will they take this? There’s no telling. And their assurances to the Prime Minister (Omar Abdullah) have been there. Guarantee for our Members of Parliament, who went and met the Home Minister (Amit Shah). He assured them too. We hope that after the end of these state elections, they will deal with this issue of citizenship”, he said.
Asked if his party will approach the Supreme Court to seek clarification on the timeline for the restoration of citizenship, Abdullah admitted that while the prime minister and interior minister have given repeated assurances, a specific date remains unclear, but indicated that if things do not materialize, the party may approach the high court.
The Supreme Court had ordered in December 2023 that citizenship be restored “as soon as possible”.
A five-judge Constitution bench headed by the then Chief Justice DY Chandrachud had delivered three unanimous judgments upholding the repeal of Article 370.
The then Chief Justice had said, “We direct that the Election Commission take steps to conduct elections to the Legislative Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir constituted under Section 14 of the Reorganization Act by September 30, 2024. Restoration of citizenship will be done as soon as possible…” Abdullah indicated that if the current Conference will not consider the possibility of political security, it will consider the possibility of political security. “I think this is the logical outcome if it doesn’t go any further,” he said of the possibility of a new petition, adding “then the only thing left for us is the Supreme Court.”
Regarding the relationship of the ruling National Conference with the Centre, he said that as far as the government-to-government relationship is concerned, it is there and recently a good package has been given for rural roads. “There are many issues that are still pending with the central government and I am sure they will be dealt with slowly and steadily,” he said.
Abdullah, a veteran politician with almost five decades of political career, was asked to give advice to the new young leaders in Jammu and Kashmir.
“To my people and today’s leaders, I would say, be honest in what you want to do and be fair. Don’t bluff the people. People are much more intelligent than you realize,” he warned.
He called on the youth to remain focused on eradicating poverty and ignorance, despite “enemies on every side” trying to change their course.
