Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah accused the BJP of transforming the region into turmoil by reducing its status to a Union territory.
This comment, amidst controversy, sparked when Abdullah initially remarked, “let Kashmir go to hell.” However, he later clarified, putting the spotlight on the BJP’s responsibility for turning the ‘heaven on earth’ into a place of distress.
The BJP has consistently blamed Abdullah’s leadership for mismanaging Jammu and Kashmir, leading to increased unrest and militancy.
In response to Abdullah’s statements, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla criticized the INDI Alliance’s stance on Article 370 and urged condemnation of Abdullah’s words.
Abdullah defended himself, highlighting issues such as the region’s downgrading, lack of elections, and the division of Jammu and Kashmir.
He questioned why elections couldn’t be conducted in Kashmir when they are held elsewhere in the country, emphasizing that the region was once a paradise and blaming external factors for its current situation.
Abdullah also addressed the controversy around Jawaharlal Nehru’s role in Article 370, disagreeing with Home Minister Amit Shah’s blame on Nehru for the Kashmir issue.
He pointed out the presence of other leaders during the decision-making process.
Regarding the Supreme Court’s verdict upholding the abrogation of Article 370, Abdullah expressed disappointment and skepticism about the future, hoping for immediate elections and questioning the delay in restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
When asked about India’s claim on Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, Abdullah deferred the decision to the government, stating they have never obstructed any actions in this matter.