Jammu And Kashmir Assembly Elections 2024: Ahead of the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls, top political leaders are holding crucial meetings with their party candidates. Every party is claiming victory of its own but the outcome of the assembly elections will reveal who is the ultimate winner. In an exclusive conversation with News24 Editor-in-Chief Anuradha Prasad, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and President of National Conference Farooq Abdullah opened up on the political dynamics in the Union Territory and spoke on a wide range of issues.
This marks the first election in Jammu and Kashmir since the Central Government revoked its special status under Article 370 of the Constitution, dividing the state into two Union Territories. Political campaigns are in full swing in the UT as it gears up for voting in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1.
Farooq Abdullah Highlights Political Engagement And Voter Empowerment
On being asked if there is any tension regarding the elections in J&K, the veteran leader replied “It’s a good sign that polls are happening after 10 years as it is an important aspect of democracy. There is often some tension in the UT, but I am enjoying the electoral process.”
The former Chief Minister further mentioned that all the political parties are proactively engaging with the public, conducting rallies across various constituencies. The decision now rests with the voters to decide who will win or lose in the upcoming elections.
Veteran Leader Discusses Rashid’s Bail And Potential Alliances
In answer to the question regarding the present situation with Engineer Rashid and Jamaat-e-Islami, and on BJP not fielding its candidates in the Kashmir Valley, the veteran replied, “People from Jamaat-e-Islami cast their vote secretly. On the other hand, Rashid is out on bail for 20 days. Let’s see what miracle he does in these 20 days. Meanwhile, most of the candidates of BJP are contesting without the party symbol.”
In response to the possibility of an alliance between Jamaat-e-Islami and Engineer Rashid, Abdullah said things will be clear once the elections are over. He alleged that many political groups are operating in J&K, and it is hard to determine which is BJP’s B team. He further questioned the government’s approval behind the pre-release of Rashid, ahead of the polls.
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In the context of the ongoing political dynamics in Jammu & Kashmir, let’s look at the Questions and Answers discussed in the interview:
Q: Mehbooba Mufti is part of the INDI alliance in Delhi. Don’t you think there should have been a similar alliance here?
A: We will see where Mufti stands after the elections. We stand strong with the INDIA alliance and will continue to do so. We need to overthrow the present government, which is dividing people based on religion.
Watch full interview below:
Q: Why did the Prime Minister criticise the three families in Doda?
A: The Prime Minister does not seem to know much about history. How did Kashmir join India? What happened in 1947? They wanted a separate Pakistan, but Pakistanis prevented it. It was Sheikh Abdullah, who connected Kashmir to Gandhi’s India. We would have been part of Pakistan without him.
Q: Prime Minister says stone-pelting has stopped, there is more employment, and tourists are coming in. What is your opinion on this?
A: The Prime Minister said so many things to divide the people. Even after Article 370 was removed, tourists never stopped visiting the UT. Most tourists come for Vaishno Devi and Amarnath Yatra, however, the pilgrims are brought in like prisoners.
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