Congress, under assault by BJP, has own objective behind it: Farooq Abdullah

Jammu, Nov 16: National Conference President and former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah Saturday stated Congress had its own objective (behind its statements on Article 370) as it was under severe (verbal) assault by BJP in poll-bound Maharashtra.

While speaking to the media here, he also reiterated that J&K would surely get statehood soon.

Confronting queries about Congress leaders’ statements on Article 370 that they never talked about its restoration and resolution passed in the J&K Legislative Assembly seeking restoration of special status actually referred to statehood, NC President said, “Congress has its own objective. It is being (verbally) assaulted by BJP, whether it is the Prime Minister or the Union Home Minister Amit Shah. They are shouting at (criticising) Congress (on this account) as they want to win elections there in Maharashtra.”

“They (BJP leaders) think that they will weaken Congress this way. But we will not let Congress weaken this way,” former Chief Minister said.

But PDP and Sajad Lone’s Peoples Conference were also raising questions about ambiguity in the resolution passed by the J&K Legislative Assembly.

In response to this question, Farooq said, “Let them ask questions. Questions will continue to be raised. Our agenda (manifesto) is before the people. We are following it.”

SHOULD STATEHOOD COME FROM SKY?

Notwithstanding efforts and demands by the J&K Government with regard to restoration of statehood, there was no response from the Centre. Faced with this query, Farooq angrily asked, “What kind of response do you want? What do you want? For how long, have we been in the Government? Should statehood come from the sky? It will definitely come. I’ve no doubts about it. We will surely get statehood.”

He stated that earlier propaganda was created about elections. “Elections happened. Where did they disappear who were creating noise to win elections?” he asked.

CONTROVERSY OVER CHAMPIONS TROPHY IN POJK

When asked about the Pakistan Cricket Board’s plan to take the Champions Trophy to PoJK areas shelved by ICC, Farooq said, “They (ICC) are the owners. They can do whatever they want to do. What has Farooq Abdullah to do with that? I don’t have any relation with that.”

But the Indian Cricket team is also not going to Pakistan for this tournament, as the media tried to elicit the NC President’s response on this account, he stated, “That is their (Indian team’s) choice. Farooq Abdullah does not own the Indian team. It demonstrates that our relations with Pakistan are strained.”

Reacting to a comment that cricket should not be mixed with politics, Farooq said, “Nowadays even sports have become (part of) politics. This stream (sports) has lost its independence. Do you not remember atrocities on wrestlers? BJP man was its (Wrestling Association’s) in-charge. What action has been taken against him? Even the media could not project facts. Media is scared of the government and its agencies.”

INDIAN DIASPORA’S PROTEST AGAINST OXFORD DEBATE

In response to a question about Indian diaspora’s protest in London against a debate on “...independent Kashmir” organised in Oxford varsity, NC President said, “There are people who want such happening in the world. Whom should we answer or seek clarification? I was not there. I was not called by Oxford University. It is not easy to be independent. On the one side, there is nuclear power Pakistan and on the other side, another nuclear power China is there. Where is your economy? For everything, you are dependent (on others). Those who think about independence actually live in foreign countries. They have no knowledge about the home front. Their perception is wrong.”

“We are part of India. We will continue to be with India,” he reiterated.

AMENDMENT IN WAQF BOARD

In response to a question about the Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement about amendment in Waqf Board, NC President said, “Let him do whatever he wishes. He is the owner of India. He is a king.”

Farooq hoped that INDIA Bloc would win elections in Maharashtra.

Responding to queries about “Batengay to Katengay” and “Ek Hain To Safe Hain” slogans rending the air in the poll-season, he said, “I don’t understand its meaning or logic. What does it mean? I don’t think on these lines. Are we not one, at present? Is India not one entity? Is India not united? Let me tell you, India is an ideal manifestation of “unity in diversity.” We will have to strengthen this diversity to bolster unity in India.”

With regard to the fire tragedy in Uttar Pradesh, he said, “This is a very horrendous incident in which several people lost their lives. I pay my tributes and also on behalf of my organisation.”

“I hope that the government will provide victims with immediate help besides investigating as to what has led to this tragedy and what measures have been taken to prevent the recurrence of such tragedies,” he said.