Srinagar, Jan 09 :
Hours after Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah suggested dissolving the I.N.D.I.A. alliance, his father and National Conference (NC) President, Farooq Abdullah, defended the alliance’s importance in a democracy. Speaking to reporters in Jammu, Farooq Abdullah emphasised that alliances are not just for electoral contests but are meant to strengthen the country and eliminate hatred.
Without directly referencing his son’s comments, he stated, “Those who think it was just for Parliamentary elections should come out of this misconception.”
Earlier in the day Omar said the I.N.D.IA. bloc should wind up “in case it was just for the Lok Sabha elections.”
Farooq, however, maintained that the alliance’s purpose extended beyond elections, focusing on national unity.
Meanwhile, the NC president expressed concerns about the recent Tirupati Temple stampede, urging authorities to ensure proper safety measures at major shrines like the Maha Kumbh.
Farooq also reiterated the importance of cooperation between the Centre and Jammu and Kashmir, rejecting claims that Omar was acting as a “Centre’s man.”
Responding to recent remarks by NC MP Aga Rahullah, who alleged that Omar Abdullah was perceived as a “Centre’s man,” Farooq Abdullah dismissed the claim. “Let him say what he thinks. But Omar Abdullah is the people’s Chief Minister. He is not working on anyone’s directives. Do you want us to fight with the Centre.”
“We don’t want confrontation with the Centre. If we start fighting, how can we resolve peoples’ issues? We are not with the BJP, but we have to work with the Centre government for the development of Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
