||Black and White Digital News||

Tejveer Singh, Bureau Chief

May 09, 2024.

In a spirited election rally in South Kashmir’s Tral area, Dr Farooq Abdullah, the National Conference president, passionately voiced his commitment to Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru’s vision of India—a nation where religious harmony and equality prevailed, contrasting sharply with what he termed as “Modi’s India,” accused of favoring one faith over others.

Addressing a fervent gathering in support of his party’s candidate for the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat, Agha Roohullah, Dr Abdullah emphasized the foundational values of an inclusive India, where individuals of all faiths were accorded equal dignity and opportunity.

The seasoned leader lamented the current state of affairs under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration, alleging a stark departure from the secular ideals embodied by India’s founding fathers.

“We stand by the ethos of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru’s India, where Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, and people of all beliefs coexisted harmoniously,” Dr Abdullah declared, articulating his disapproval of what he perceived as divisive rhetoric and discriminatory policies under the current government.

Dr Abdullah did not mince words when criticizing Prime Minister Modi’s alleged attempts to stoke communal tensions. “We did not align with Modi’s India, where one faith is uplifted while others are sidelined,” he remarked, pointing to the Prime Minister’s polarizing speeches that, according to Dr Abdullah, spread baseless fear among communities.

The National Conference president took aim at PM Modi’s controversial statements, highlighting claims of demographic fear-mongering. “Despite the Hindu population comprising 70% of India, Prime Minister Modi peddles false narratives, creating unwarranted panic,” Dr Abdullah asserted, urging Modi to uphold his duty to represent all Indians irrespective of their religious or political affiliations.

Expressing disappointment in the current leadership, Dr Abdullah emphasized the enduring inclusivity of India, despite the nation’s partition in 1947. “We had the option to join Pakistan, but we chose to remain in India because of its pluralistic ethos,” he affirmed, underscoring the need to safeguard the country’s secular fabric against divisive forces.

In addition to defending India’s secular heritage, Dr Abdullah addressed local concerns regarding employment and land rights, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. “Today, our land and jobs are under threat,” he lamented, echoing sentiments from residents who felt disenfranchised post the abrogation of Article 370.

Dr Abdullah concluded by urging voters to uphold the principles of a united, inclusive India—a vision championed by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. His impassioned speech resonated deeply with attendees, underlining a fervent commitment to preserving India’s secular ethos amidst contemporary challenges.