National Conference (NC) leader Farooq Abdullah has categorically rejected the claims made by former RAW chief A.S. Dulat, who suggested that Abdullah had supported the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Dulat’s remarks, which surfaced in a recent interview, sparked widespread controversy and led to reactions from various political quarters, including Abdullah’s own party.
Dulat, in his interview, stated that some political figures, including Abdullah, had tacitly supported the move to revoke Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, during the 2019 decision by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government at the Centre. He claimed that such support was offered in private discussions, a statement that immediately drew attention across political lines.
However, Farooq Abdullah vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them as “completely false and baseless.” In a strongly-worded statement, he asserted that he has always opposed the revocation of Article 370 and has been a staunch advocate for the rights and special status of Jammu and Kashmir as guaranteed by the Constitution of India. Abdullah made it clear that his party, the National Conference, continues to stand firm on the demand for the restoration of the region’s autonomy.
Abdullah’s denial of Dulat’s claim has further intensified the ongoing political debate over Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. The revocation of Article 370 in August 2019 by the BJP government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been a significant and contentious move, with major repercussions on the region’s political landscape. The move was supported by the BJP but faced strong opposition from regional parties, including Abdullah’s NC, which argued that it undermined the region’s constitutional identity.
Political analysts suggest that Dulat’s comments may be seen as an attempt to create confusion in the already volatile political environment of Jammu and Kashmir. However, Abdullah’s firm denial has helped reaffirm the position of the National Conference in its opposition to the abrogation of Article 370.
In response to the ongoing controversy, Abdullah emphasized that his party has always defended the rights of Jammu and Kashmir’s people and will continue to fight for the restoration of the region’s constitutional status. He called on the central government to engage in dialogue with regional stakeholders and take into account the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
As the issue remains sensitive, Abdullah’s response underscores the deep divide in the political discourse over the future of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
