Dr. Farooq Abdullah Calls for Unity Among Regional Parties to Safeguard India’s Unity and Diversity

07-06-2023 : Farooq Abdullah, the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and National Conference president emphasized the need for regional parties to unite in order to fight the 2024 Lok Sabha election. He believes that this unity is essential to prevent the country from being divided along religious lines. During a meeting with former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda at his residence in Bengaluru, Abdullah expressed his disapproval of films like ‘Kashmir Files’ and ‘The Kerala Story,’ stating that they are contributing to the destruction of India and its constitution by dividing people.

Abdullah emphasized the value of preserving India’s diversity and the nation’s unity in diversity, claiming that diversity serves as the country’s unifying force. He admitted that while he and Deve Gowda’s family have little in common with Kashmir and Karnataka, respectively, their shared dedication to nation-building binds them. He emphasized the importance of cooperating and developing as a community in order to forge a strong and cohesive nation.

Regarding Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s call for a party meeting of opposition parties in Patna, Abdullah believes that these meetings are crucial as they bring the opposition together for the 2024 elections. Although the JD(S) has not been invited to the meeting, Abdullah remains optimistic that gradually, all opposition parties will come together regardless of their differences. He stressed the importance of inclusivity and invited everyone, including former Prime Minister Deve Gowda, to such meetings.

Abdullah expressed his support for elections in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that every state in the country should have elections. He questioned why Jammu and Kashmir should be denied elections, emphasizing that it has been four years since the last elections and the Election Commission itself has stated that elections must be held. When asked about a potential alliance with the JD(S) for the upcoming parliamentary elections, Abdullah refrained from providing a direct response, suggesting that such decisions will unfold naturally.

Abdullah strongly criticized movies like ‘Bahattar Hoorain,’ which are planned after ‘Kashmir Files’ and ‘The Kerala Story,’ as they are intended to divide people. He firmly believes that anything that divides the people of India is detrimental to the nation and its Constitution. He emphasized that India belongs to all its citizens, regardless of religion or regional background, and these divisive films are causing great harm to the nation.

Abdullah’s meeting with former Prime Minister Deve Gowda was described as a courtesy call. They discussed the current happenings in the country, particularly in Kashmir. Deve Gowda expressed his sincere good wishes for Abdullah and the people of Jammu and Kashmir, acknowledging the love and affection he received during his tenure as Prime Minister.

After the meeting, H.D. Kumaraswamy, former Chief Minister and son of Deve Gowda, clarified that Abdullah’s visit was not related to any political developments or discussions about the 2024 elections. Abdullah had visited Deve Gowda to inquire about his health after learning about some health issues. Kumaraswamy mentioned that Abdullah appreciated Deve Gowda’s pro-people initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir during his time as Prime Minister. Abdullah also praised Deve Gowda’s efforts to resolve the India-Pakistan issue and his visit to the India-Pakistan border, which instilled confidence among the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Kumaraswamy voiced caution and wished to wait and watch how the regional party gathering developed. Given the discrepancy in their relative political strength in Karnataka, he questioned whether working together with the Congress party was really an option. He emphasized the importance of waiting to contemplate any alliances until the Congress party’s performance had been evaluated.

Abdullah continued to showcase his activities during his visit to Bengaluru by meeting with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his cabinet colleagues after the meeting with Deve Gowda.