Srinagar, 19-02-2024 : The National Conference criticized former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Monday, rebuking his claims that NC leaders Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah were consulted before the abrogation of Article 370. Farooq Abdullah condemned Azad’s remarks, calling them baseless and asserting that such allegations from a seasoned leader are disappointing. He reminded Azad of the NC’s support during his Rajya Sabha tenure in 2015, expressing dismay at Azad’s descent into what he termed as gossip mongering.
Azad, in an interview with a private television channel, alleged that NC leaders sought clandestine meetings in Delhi post-11 pm, insinuating suspicion among the public. He further claimed that in 2019, there were rumors in Delhi that the Abdullahs had prior knowledge of the Article 370 abrogation and were detained as per their own accord. Additionally, Azad accused Farooq Abdullah of exploiting religion for political gain by visiting temples and singing devotional songs.
Farooq Abdullah refuted these claims, reaffirming the NC’s commitment to secularism. He urged Azad to clarify his motives behind leaving the Congress and forming his own party in Jammu and Kashmir. Omar Abdullah, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and NC Vice-President, also criticized Azad, highlighting inconsistencies in his statements and questioning his political integrity.
Jairam Ramesh, Congress General Secretary, echoed these sentiments, labeling Azad as a disgrace. The BJP-led Centre revoked Article 370 on August 5, 2019, bifurcating Jammu and Kashmir into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The dispute between Azad and NC leaders underscores the deep political divisions in the region following this significant constitutional change.