‘A political compulsion…”: NC’s Salman Sagar criticises Karan Singh over Abdullah remark

Srinagar, Jan 04: The J&K National Conference (JKNC) has strongly criticized former Sadr-e-Riyasat and senior Congress leader Dr. Karan Singh for his remarks against Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, in which he alleged that the NC founder harboured "terrible anti-Dogra feelings" throughout his life.

Senior NC leader and MLA Hazratbal, Salman Ali Sagar, responded sharply, stating that such comments have become a trend against historical figures like Sheikh Abdullah and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. "It has become fashionable to speak against Pt. Nehru. Dr. Karan Singh, once a significant figure in Congress and Sadr-e-Riyasat, remained silent for 60 years. Now, with the BJP in power, he chooses to make these remarks. This statement should be viewed politically, not practically," Sagar said.

He expressed surprise at Dr. Karan Singh’s statements, noting that the veteran leader was once closely associated with the National Conference and chaired the Autonomy Committee formed by the party. "He supported NC’s ideology in the past. Today, while demanding the restoration of full statehood and other rights for J&K, he is essentially reiterating NC’s philosophy. Yet, he seems to have aligned with the BJP’s narrative," Sagar remarked.

He accused Dr. Karan Singh of "entertaining the BJP after 60 years" and urged him to issue statements with "greater understanding and maturity."

On the progress of the current Omar Abdullah-led government, Sagar assured that promises made during the elections would be fulfilled within the government’s tenure. "It has only been two months since the government was formed. Pressing issues will be addressed within 1.5 to 2 years. We must also reverse the damage done during the PDP-BJP coalition government and the Governor and Lieutenant Governor’s rule," he stated.

Sagar criticized opposition parties for "point-scoring" without considering practical constraints. "We have a stable five-year government. In the upcoming budget session, we will set provisions for electricity, water, and other benefit schemes," he said, emphasizing NC’s commitment to fulfilling its election manifesto.