JAMMU: Senior BJP leader and former Minister Bali Bhagat today launched a scathing attack on National Conference (NC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah over his repeated statements advocating dialogue with Pakistan amid continuing terrorist violence in Jammu and Kashmir, accusing him of displaying misplaced priorities and giving Pakistan's propaganda machinery an opportunity to exploit political statements made within India.
Reacting to the recent terrorist incidents in Kulgam and Kishtwar, Bhagat said it was unfortunate that while security personnel were putting their lives on the line and innocent families were mourning their loved ones, Farooq Abdullah was busy advocating engagement with a country whose establishment has continuously sponsored terrorism against India.
"Farooq Abdullah must stop shielding Pakistan and stop giving lectures to the Government of India on how to handle terrorism. Three CRPF personnel were injured in the Kulgam attack, while two Special Police Officers were brutally killed in Kishtwar. These are not statistics; these are human lives, shattered families and sacrifices made in the service of the nation. At such a critical time, the country expects solidarity with our security forces, not Pakistan-friendly statements," Bhagat asserted.
Taking direct aim at Farooq's Pakistan-centric remarks, Bhagat said, "Stop poking your nose into India's internal matters. Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, and nobody in Pakistan has any authority to dictate its future. India is a sovereign nation capable of taking its own decisions. Farooq Abdullah should understand that Pakistan cannot be trusted with peace while its terror infrastructure and anti-India activities remain a serious security concern."
Bhagat further said that the Modi Government does not need lessons from the NC leadership on tackling terrorism. "The days of weak responses and political appeasement are over. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have demonstrated a firm national security approach. Our security forces must be given full support to eliminate terrorism and its ecosystem. Farooq Abdullah should stop questioning India's resolve and stand unequivocally with the nation."
Turning to the NC's governance record, Bhagat challenged Farooq and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to fulfil the promises made to the people before the Assembly elections.
"Where are the promised 200 units of free electricity? Where are the 12 free LPG cylinders annually? Where is the promised ₹5,000 monthly assistance for women heads of economically weaker families? What has happened to the employment commitments made to our unemployed youth? Instead of delivering on these guarantees, the NC leadership is busy making headlines through controversial statements on Pakistan," he said.
Taking another swipe at the party's internal situation, Bhagat said the National Conference was struggling to manage its own affairs, with reports of dissent among its MLAs, leaders and workers.
"Farooq Abdullah should first save his own sinking political ship. His own legislators are questioning the leadership, party workers are dissatisfied and internal divisions are becoming increasingly visible. Instead of worrying about Pakistan and advising the Modi Government, he should concentrate on reviving the National Conference, pacifying rebellious voices within his organisation and restoring the confidence of his own workers."
Concluding, Bhagat said the people of Jammu and Kashmir wanted security, development, employment and accountability, not political theatrics.
"Pakistan cannot be given a certificate of peace while our soldiers and citizens remain targets of terrorism. Farooq Abdullah must choose his words responsibly. His first responsibility is towards the people of Jammu and Kashmir, not towards Pakistan's narrative. Stop giving sermons to India, fulfil your promises and put your own house in order."
