BJP Demands Sedition Case Against Farooq Abdullah
National Conference president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah has triggered a political controversy after crediting Pakistan with protecting Kashmiris by raising the Kashmir issue internationally. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly condemned his statements, with several leaders demanding sedition charges and a public apology.
Abdullah made the remarks at a party workers’ convention in Baramulla on Saturday, October 24, where he questioned the Indian government’s intentions towards Kashmiris and suggested that international pressure was preventing further action against them.
Farooq Abdullah Credits Pakistan For Raising Kashmir Issue
Addressing party workers, Abdullah claimed that Pakistan’s repeated efforts to raise Kashmir at international forums were helping preserve the identity and interests of people in Jammu and Kashmir.
He questioned whether Kashmiris could expect justice from New Delhi and urged them to defend their political rights and identity.
His comments drew criticism because India maintains that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country and has repeatedly accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism.
BJP Accuses Abdullah Of Echoing Pakistan’s Narrative
BJP leader Ravinder Raina condemned Abdullah’s remarks and questioned how Pakistan could be described as a protector of Kashmiris, citing the deaths caused by terrorism in the region.
BJP spokesperson RP Singh defended the abrogation of Article 370, arguing that the decision strengthened Jammu and Kashmir’s integration with India and supported economic development.
BJP MLA Yudhvir Sethi described the comments as seditious and demanded an apology, while Yamini Sharma accused the National Conference of promoting Pakistan’s position on Kashmir.
Congress Distances Itself From Remarks
Congress leader Kapil Singh said Abdullah’s statements could represent his personal views while asserting that Pakistan had no right to interfere in India’s internal affairs.
He also raised the demand for restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had not publicly responded to his father’s remarks at the time of reporting. No formal sedition case was reported in the coverage reviewed.
