JAMMU (PTI) — National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday expressed grave concern over communalisation of politics” ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, and cautioned the BJP to desist from “dividing the nation on religious lines”.
A polarised India is detrimental to its growth, progress, unity and peace, he said during a function at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan here.
Elaborating on the attempts by divisive forces in the state with an eye on ensuing elections, Mr Abdullah said Jammu and Kashmir has to flourish and progress as a single entity.
On the rape and murder of a minor girl in the state’s Kathua district recently, the National Conference chief said a dangerous trend was being set wherein the culprits were using religion as a shield to escape law of the land.
A special police officer was among two persons arrested in connection with the rape and murder of the eight-year-old girl in January.
Meanwhile, Farooq Abdullah defended Congress president Rahul Gandhi over the party’s debacle in the assembly polls in three northeastern states, stating that the party scion needed some time to deliver results.
Congress suffered a humiliating defeat in Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura polls, the results for which were declared today.
“I do not think he (Rahul Gandhi) has failed. Give him time as he has just become the president (of Congress party)…It is not his defeat,” Mr Abdullah told reporters on the sidelines of a function in Jammu.
“He will take time to grow in the organisation. Elections come and go,” he said.
Asked about the chances of revival of the Congress after back-to-back defeats, the National Conference chief said everyone has revival chances if one worked for the people.
The National Conference was part of the previous UPA-led coalition at the centre.
A polarised India is detrimental to its growth, progress, unity and peace, he said during a function at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan in Jammu.