Former chief minister and National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Friday lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing them of exploiting religion for political gain.
Addressing a public rally at Kanira Chadoora in Budgam district, Abdullah, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer KNO, said India belongs to Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of inclusivity where every religion enjoys equal rights. He said the present government at the Centre was playing divisive politics.
Dr Farooq said there is an alarming surge in inflation and criticised the Central government for its “failure” to address the issue effectively.
He lamented the BJP’s promises of bridging the gap between Kashmir and Delhi, saying that instead, the gap has been widening.
The NC chief also hit out at the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), blaming it for facilitating the BJP’s entry into Jammu and Kashmir. He accused the Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari of initially supporting the BJP and then attempting to portray himself as an upright figure.
The public rally was organised by the National Conference as part of the party’s election campaign in favour of Agha Ruhullah Mehdi, the NC’s candidate for the Srinagar parliamentary constituency—(KNO)