‘Fight Against Hatred, Not Religion’: Farooq Abdullah in J&K Poll Rally

GG News Bureau
Jammu, 24th Sept. National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah on Monday made a passionate appeal to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, urging them to unite and support the alliance with the Congress in the ongoing polls. He emphasized that the election is not about religion but about taking action against the “forces” spreading hatred across the country, which he claims are attempting to weaken the nation to maintain power.

Addressing a rally in Surankote, Abdullah criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his remarks about the ‘mangalsutra,’ alleging that such comments are designed to incite hatred among the masses. During his campaign for the Lok Sabha elections, Modi had insinuated that the Congress would distribute the people’s hard-earned money and valuables to “infiltrators” and those who have larger families, stating that they would steal the “gold of mothers and sisters” if given power.

“Aaj yah dharm ki baat nahin hai, yah karm ki baat hai kyunki yah badi jung hai nafrat ke khilaf (Today, it is not about religion but action, because this is a big fight against hatred),” Abdullah declared. He called for unity against parties that spread hate, questioning whether they could “bury those parties that are spreading hatred in India.”

Accompanied by Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha (LoP) Rahul Gandhi, Abdullah campaigned for Congress-NC alliance candidate Mohmmad Shahnawaz in the Surankote assembly segment. He highlighted the importance of the alliance’s success, stating, “This fight is against the hatred that the BJP and RSS are spreading throughout the country.”

Abdullah further accused Modi of attempting to create divisions among communities, asserting, “They have tried to create conflicts between Hindus and Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs, and Hindus and Christians just to hold onto power. But they are failing, and their strategy is not working.”

Taking a direct jab at Modi’s comments about Muslims having more children, Abdullah questioned the implications of such statements, saying, “Does he mean that if there are two houses, one should be given to a Muslim?” He condemned those who thrive on spreading hatred, emphasizing the need for unity across all communities in Jammu and Kashmir.

“This is why the National Conference and the Congress united. We realized that to oust these hate-filled parties, we must join hands and make sacrifices,” he added.

Abdullah appealed for communal harmony, calling on people of all backgrounds—Hindus, Muslims, Gujjars, Kashmiris, Shias, and Sunnis—to unite in the fight against hatred. He quoted Gandhi, who aimed to “shut down the shop of hatred and open a shop of love,” stating that the people of Jammu and Kashmir want to “crush the vehicle of hatred and drive the vehicle of love throughout India.”

He urged the public to vote for the alliance and bring its government to Jammu and Kashmir. “Press the button on the symbol of the hand, make this alliance successful, and bring its government to Jammu and Kashmir. This election will relieve you of your difficulties. This is our promise to you,” he assured the crowd.

Additionally, Abdullah addressed rebel candidate Choudhary Mohammad Akram, asking him to withdraw from the race for the greater good of the alliance. “Akram Sahab, your continued stance strengthens those forces that do not want us to live peacefully. Step down and make this alliance a success,” he concluded.