BJP’s attack on Cong over Art-370 aimed at polls in Maharashtra, Jharkhand: Farooq

Srinagat, Nov 16: National Conference President Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party is targeting the Congress party to weaken it ahead of the elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand.
Speaking to reporters Abdullah said that the move by the BJP to target congress on Article 370 is intended to gain political advantage in states of Jharkhand and Maharashtra where elections are going to happen.
He said that the BJP’s efforts to weaken Congress would not succeed, and he expressed hope that the INDIA alliance would win the upcoming elections.
Abdullah also reassured the public about the return of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, saying that there is no doubt about it.
He said that his party is following its election manifesto and dismissed any criticism regarding the Jammu and Kashmir resolution.
He emphasized that the NC would not be deterred by political attacks from other parties.
Abdullah said that Jammu and Kashmir will remain an integral part of India, rejecting the idea of an independent Kashmir.
He criticized those advocating for an independent Kashmir, calling their views unrealistic and disconnected from the actual situation on the ground.
He said that people who dream of Kashmir’s independence do not understand the realities of the region, pointing to the complex geopolitical challenges, including nuclear powers like Pakistan and China, that make such ideas impossible.
Abdullah said that Jammu and Kashmir is, and will continue to be, a part of India.
He said that the recent event at Oxford University, which discussed Kashmir’s independence, reflects an uninformed perspective, as these views are not based on the real situation in Kashmir.
He also said that those advocating for independence are out of touch with the people and realities of the region.
On being asked about the Indian cricket team’s decision not to visit Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy, Abdullah said that this decision shows the strained relations between India and Pakistan.
“Let them not go; it shows our strained relations with Pakistan. Such situations were expected, given the long-standing political tensions between the two countries.
Speaking on the broader role of politics in sports, Abdullah said that sports have increasingly become intertwined with politics.
Farooq said “Sports has become politics” and criticized how political issues now influence the sports world.
He drew attention to the treatment of wrestlers in India and pointed out that despite the public outcry, no real action was taken against BJP leaders involved in the issue.