Srinagar, May 2:
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah has expressed deep disappointment over the INDIA bloc, especially the Congress, “not supporting” the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood with the “expected vigour”
In a candid assessment of the opposition bloc, Abdullah said that while his party remains a committed member of the alliance, it has fallen short of its potential.
He also flagged the lack of a robust, unified approach to Jammu and Kashmir’s issues as a primary point of contention within the bloc.
“You see, that has been our biggest objection to this national alliance…we have the hope that they would, with far more vigour, fight for our cause. That has not happened. Really very sad that the major party Indian National Congress has not really played the role that we expect from it,” Abdullah said in an interview.
He further urged the alliance to move beyond being a mere electoral pact, calling for more frequent meetings to address the “ignored” future of the nation. “….it is very clear that we are not part of the BJP and we will never be part of it. We are part of the INDIA bloc. I hope that the alliance post-election will get together again and take up not only the national issue but the issue of Jammu and Kashmir statehood in a much stronger way,” he said.
Abdullah, a three-time Jammu and Kashmir chief minister, said it was “very important” to have frequent meetings of the INDIA bloc. “This alliance is not only for elections. It is for the future of this nation which at times is being ignored. I am very sad to say this.”
In reply to a question on the current state of democratic condition and political environment for emerging youth leaders, he regretted that the opposition has not been able to project a leader “who could meet the challenges” pos