Farooq Abdullah Urges J&K Voters to Reject ‘Devils in Disguise’ Sent by Delhi Ahead of Final Polls

Abdullah made these remarks in the context of the upcoming polls, where 40 seats—24 in the Jammu region and 16 in Kashmir—are set to be contested. He expressed strong confidence in the NC-Congress alliance’s ability to secure a majority in the 90-member assembly, ensuring that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) does not gain control of the Union Territory.

Addressing a rally as campaigning for the last phase draws to a close, Abdullah implored the people of Jammu and Kashmir to make a thoughtful and informed decision while casting their votes. He emphasized the importance of securing a prosperous future for the region, one characterized by dignity, better job opportunities, and improved quality of life.

“Think carefully,” Abdullah urged voters, advising them to be cautious of individuals who may be working in the interests of external forces. He referred to such figures as “devils in disguise” and reiterated his warning that these candidates do not have the best interests of Jammu and Kashmir at heart.

In rallying support for the NC-Congress coalition, Abdullah emphasized the symbolic importance of voting for the “hand” and “plough” —the respective symbols of the Congress and National Conference. He expressed his belief that the alliance would stand strong against the BJP’s influence in the region.

Abdullah did not shy away from addressing the involvement of Baramulla MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid, also known as Engineer Rashid, whom he accused of being manipulated by the BJP to divide voter support. “He’s part of a strategy to split votes in favor of the BJP. He may not realize the extent to which he is being used, but the people are starting to see through it,” Abdullah said, lamenting Rashid’s political position.

Rashid, currently facing charges of terror funding and arrested by the National Investigation Agency, defeated NC’s vice president Omar Abdullah in the Lok Sabha elections from Baramulla earlier in the year. Farooq Abdullah alleged that Rashid is “representing his master’s voice” and expressed his sadness over the situation, warning that the forces manipulating him today may turn against him in the future.

On the BJP’s promise to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, Abdullah expressed his deep skepticism. “I don’t trust what they say. They announce things before elections, but their actions afterward are entirely contradictory,” he remarked, pointing to the decision to vest significant powers in the Lieutenant Governor instead of the elected representatives.

In response to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent call for dialogue with militants in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah said, “I cannot trust what he says.” He accused the BJP of failing to deliver on its promises of governance and economic development, pointing out rising inflation, job losses, and the ongoing threat of terrorism as signs of the party’s ineffective administration.

Abdullah also reiterated his long-standing advocacy for dialogue with neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan, to resolve long-standing conflicts and reduce military expenditures. “We need to understand that neighbors cannot be changed. It’s through peaceful relations that we can move forward and focus on development,” he said. He highlighted the potential benefits of reviving the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) as a means of fostering improved relationships in the region.

The NC chief also raised concerns about the selective access granted to foreign diplomats and journalists during election periods. He questioned the government’s motives behind such visits and criticized the restrictions placed on foreign journalists, suggesting that the authorities feared transparency in reporting on the situation in Kashmir.

Low voter turnout, Abdullah suggested, is indicative of a “climate of fear” instilled by the current administration. “People feel suffocated under the present regime. Those who speak out are jailed, and journalists who report the truth face repression. We are living under what can only be described as a colonial rule imposed from Delhi,” he charged.

Reflecting on his past meetings with officials in Delhi, Abdullah noted a deep sense of mistrust between the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the Central government. “There has been a lot of talk about bridging the gap, but what has actually been done? Innocent youths remain imprisoned, and there’s been no meaningful action to restore trust,” he said, calling on the government to honor its promises to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

With a promise to restore dignity and prosperity, Abdullah hopes the NC-Congress alliance will emerge victorious and form a government that addresses the longstanding challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir.