The Economic Times
English EditionEnglish Editionहिन्दीગુજરાતીमराठीবাংলাಕನ್ನಡമലയാളംதமிழ்తెలుగు
| 26 October, 2026, 09:15 PM IST | Today's ePaper
My Watchlist
Search
+
Business News›Magazines›Panache›Panache People 101›Farooq Abdullah
    Farooq Abdullah

    Farooq Abdullah

    MP, Lok Sabha
    Birth DetailsOctober 21, 1937 | Srinagar
    NationalityIndian
    LeaguePolitician
    EducationM.B.B.S., S.M.S. Medical College, Jaipur
    Farooq Abdullah’s Journey so far ...
    • After serving as a social worker for a long time, Farooq Abdullah entered politics in 1980 when he was elected to the Lok Sabha
    • He gave up his post as a Member of Parliament in 1982 and was subsequently elected to the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly. He was made the Minister of Health
    • After his father, and the then Chief Minister, Sheikh Abdullah’s demise in 1982, he became the CM of J&K as well as the president of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) party
    • JKNC won the Assembly elections in 1983 and Abdullah continued to hold the top office in the state
    • JKNC formed a coalition with the Indian National Congress (INC) and Abdullah returned as CM of Jammu & Kashmir in 1987
    • His third term as the Chief Minister began in 1996 after central government rule was withdrawn from J&K
    • He relinquished his post as the president of JKNC in 2002 and was succeeded by his son Omar Abdullah
    • In 2002, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha and continued as a member of the Upper House of Parliament till 2008
    • Abdullah returned to the assembly for a short stint in December 2008
    • In February 2009, he was re-elected to the Rajya Sabha for a second term
    • After winning the elections in May 2009, he was re-elected to the Lok Sabha for the second time and was appointed as the Minister of New and Renewable Energy in the UPA cabinet
    • He returned to the Lok Sabha for a third term in 2017. During this term, he served as a member of the Standing Committee on Commerce
    • Abdullah got a fourth term in the Lower House in 2019. He was appointed as a member of the Standing Committee on Railways, Standing Committee on Food, Consumer Affairs & Public Distribution, and the Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Defence

    Before you go ...
    • Being a medical professional, Abdullah takes special interest in issues such as national health
    • He used to practise medicine in the United Kingdom before entering politics

    Last Updated: 27/10/2021

    Farooq Abdullah News

    • The J&K Congress has distanced itself from Farooq Abdullah's remarks regarding Pakistan's involvement in Kashmir. This comes as some groups have filed a police complaint against him for these comments. Abdullah's statements reflect frustrations regarding the restoration of statehood in Jammu and Kashmir. BJP leaders criticized his reliance on Pakistan narratives while highlighting local issues facing the region.
    • National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah stated that Pakistan's advocacy for Kashmir is a form of protection. He criticized the intentions of the Indian government towards Jammu and Kashmir. BJP leaders condemned Abdullah's remarks, labeling them as treasonous and anti-national. Congress leaders disagreed with Abdullah’s views but expressed concerns about the political situation in the region. Abdullah also raised issues regarding a mandatory service requirement for medical students, highlighting bureaucratic delays.
    • Omar Abdullah said the lieutenant governor would fix a time for the exercise, following which the expansion would take place. Abdullah appealed to party colleagues and MLAs not to approach him or National Conference president Farooq Abdullah for ministerial berths, saying the list had been finalised after consultations.
    • National Conference MP Aga Ruhullah will issue a detailed statement soon regarding his resignation demand. Party president Farooq Abdullah asked Ruhullah to seek a fresh mandate from voters. Ruhullah has been critical of the NC government and its promises. NC legislators accuse Ruhullah of working on an agency agenda. Farooq Abdullah warned Ruhullah of consequences for his actions.
    • Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram called the Article 370 abrogation a constitutional outrage. He questioned the government's timeline for restoring Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. The division of the state into Union Territories poses a threat to federalism. Former J-K Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah also urged the government to honor its promises. He asked the government to fulfill its assurances given to the people.
    • Farooq Abdullah demanded the identity of recent killers be revealed. He questioned the source of militants after borders were sealed. Abdullah stated that terrorism had ended, which is now being tested. The administration should identify those responsible for the killings. This will demonstrate the current situation in the valley.
    • Farooq Abdullah asked Prime Minister Modi and Minister Jaishankar to speak on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. He questioned why they do not discuss the ongoing violence and alleged killings there. Abdullah requested the United Nations Commission on Human Rights to visit the region. He urged them to observe the problems and work towards solutions.
    • Reiterating the party's longstanding demand, Abdullah urged the Central government to honour its repeated commitments by introducing and passing the statehood restoration bill during the ongoing session.
    • Farooq Abdullah has invited political leaders nationwide to a peaceful protest. This demonstration aims to restore Jammu and Kashmir's statehood and federal spirit. The National Conference president seeks solidarity for this collective democratic cause. Promises of statehood restoration were made on the parliament floor. Leaders from various parties have been invited to join the Jantar Mantar event.
    • Over 100 prominent figures from India and Pakistan, including former CMs Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, have penned an open letter urging Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif to revive bilateral dialogue. The appeal calls for restoring full diplomatic ties, resuming trade, and reopening cross-border transport links. Signatories emphasize sustained engagement as the sole path to resolving differences and fostering peace and prosperity in South Asia for nearly two billion people.
    • Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah that he will fulfill the promise of restoring statehood to the region. National Conference president Farooq Abdullah confirmed the Prime Minister's commitment and stated the party awaits the Centre's action. The National Conference plans to protest in Delhi during the monsoon session to press for this demand.
    • Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir are clashing over alcohol sales. The National Conference argues against a ban, citing revenue loss and continued consumption. The People's Democratic Party questions why J&K cannot be a dry state like Gujarat. Both parties are criticized for not taking concrete steps. This debate unfolds as the administration runs a campaign against drugs.
    • National Conference President Farooq Abdullah called for the return of Kashmiri Pandits to their ancestral home, emphasizing that Kashmir is a land for all communities to thrive together.
    • Political parties in Kashmir have welcomed the ceasefire. They believe this step will lead to lasting peace in the region and the world. Celebrations erupted across Kashmir following the news. Locals expressed joy, calling it a victory. Leaders emphasized dialogue as the only way forward. The ceasefire is seen as a timely move towards stability.
    • PDP MLA Waheed Para voiced serious concerns regarding security for political leaders in Kashmir. He highlighted the eviction of Mehbooba Mufti from her official residence and reduced security for leaders like Tariq Karra and Sajad Lone. Para described these actions as an 'attempt to murder' and a 'security collapse' in the region.
    • Jammu and Kashmir Police have formed a seven-member Special Investigation Team. This team will investigate the recent assassination attempt on former chief minister Farooq Abdullah. The incident occurred during a marriage function in Jammu. A gunman opened fire on Abdullah but he escaped unharmed. The accused was apprehended at the scene.
    • Rajya Sabha leader of the opposition Mallikarjun Kharge raised concerns over an attack on Farooq Abdullah. He stated security was compromised and linked it to the lack of statehood in Jammu and Kashmir. Leader of the House JP Nadda assured a thorough investigation and assured that the attacker was arrested.
    • The Supreme Court has granted bail to Kashmiri Hurriyat leader Shabir Ahmed Shah. He was arrested in a terror funding case in 2019. The court noted his long incarceration without conviction. His daughter expressed joy and hope for his early release. Political parties in Kashmir welcomed the decision, hoping for similar relief for other political prisoners.
    • The 'Black Cats' commando force currently provides elite protection to nine VIPs, including Abdullah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu.
    • The ruling National Conference leader and DyCM Surinder Choudhary alleged this was a targeted attack against Abdullah, who escaped the scene unhurt.
    • A gunman opened fire at the convoy of National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday while he was returning from a marriage function in Jammu, officials said. Both Abdullah and Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, who was travelling with him, escaped unharmed, PTI reported citing authorities.
    • Students in Iran are urged to return home by Jammu and Kashmir leaders. The Indian Embassy in Tehran has advised citizens to leave Iran. This comes amid fresh protests following memorials for those killed in anti-government rallies. Many students are concerned about losing an academic year due to upcoming March examinations.
    • Jammu and Kashmir students in Iran are advised to leave immediately. National Conference president Farooq Abdullah issued the directive citing potential airspace closure. The Indian Embassy also issued an advisory for citizens to depart Iran. Abdullah stressed the urgency for students to return home before evacuation becomes impossible.
    • National Conference president Farooq Abdullah welcomed displaced Kashmiri Pandits back to the Valley, emphasizing their rightful place. However, he expressed doubt about their permanent return, citing their established lives and children's education and employment elsewhere. Abdullah noted that many Pandits already reside peacefully in Kashmir.
    • National Conference president Farooq Abdullah condemned attacks on Kashmiris, comparing perpetrators to Hitler and predicting their downfall. He expressed hope for peace and strengthened friendships with neighboring countries in the new year, emphasizing the need to overcome current difficulties.
    • National Conference president Farooq Abdullah has strongly condemned attacks on Kashmiris, likening the perpetrators to Hitler. He expressed hope that such extremists will eventually disappear. Abdullah also offered prayers for peace and friendship with India's neighbors in the new year. He welcomed External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's attendance at Khalida Zia's funeral, emphasizing the need to strengthen ties with Bangladesh.
    • At a recent gathering, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah called for solidarity among all party affiliates. He strongly discouraged any actions that undermine the party's integrity and highlighted the accomplishments of the NC government despite facing challenges in the Union Territory.
    • Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh has taken aim at the controversial 'Operation Sindoor' comment made by JKNC chief Farooq Abdullah. He emphasizes that voters are turning their backs on politicians caught up in self-centered agendas.
    • National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, 87, was discharged from a Srinagar hospital on Sunday after nearly a week of hospitalization. He had been admitted due to an abdominal infection that developed earlier in the week. Party leaders confirmed his satisfactory recovery, following his previous kidney transplant in 2014.
    • National Conference president Farooq Abdullah (87) was hospitalised on Saturday due to an abdominal infection, party leaders said. The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister had been unwell for several days and was admitted to a private hospital for treatment.
    • Farooq Abdullah called for immediate talks between the central government and the people of Ladakh. He emphasized Ladakh's sensitivity, citing China's presence and land occupation. Abdullah supported Sonam Wangchuk and highlighted the frustration of Ladakh's youth. He cautioned against using force, stating that the people's patience had run out. He urged the government to resolve the issue quickly through dialogue.
    • J&K Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary asserted that the National Conference government will not resign despite challenges and limited powers. Speaking in Kashmir, he blamed BJP and PDP for past losses, including the revocation of special status and statehood, and highlighted the dual governance system constraining the elected government.
    • Farooq Abdullah expressed optimism about the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. He believes the central government will address the aspirations of the people. He highlighted the importance of tourism for the region's economy, especially after the Pahalgam attack. Abdullah emphasized that Kashmiris are united against violence.
    • The detention of Aam Admi Party MLA Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir, has sparked unrest, leading to prohibitory orders and internet suspension. Clashes between Malik's supporters and police resulted in injuries and numerous detentions.
    • A commotion occurred at the circuit house. Police stopped Farooq Abdullah, ex-chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, from meeting Sanjay Singh. Sanjay Singh, an AAP Rajya Sabha member, planned a protest. The protest was against the arrest of Mehraj Malik. Mehraj Malik is the MLA from Doda. Abdullah criticized the Lieutenant Governor's actions.
    • Farooq Abdullah advocates for SAARC's revival, urging PM Modi to pursue peace with Pakistan for global advancement. He highlights the need for India to prioritize humanity over military or economic power, drawing inspiration from Gandhi's message of peace. Abdullah emphasizes unity and cooperation to address the nation's challenges, referencing China's progress as an example.
    • Jammu and Kashmir's political landscape is stirred as National Conference and People's Democratic Party leaders voice their discontent over the Supreme Court's recent observation. Farooq Abdullah asserts that terrorist attacks stem from strained relations with Pakistan, unrelated to the restoration of statehood.
    • Sharad Pawar, the NCP (SP) president, backed Rahul Gandhi's claims about vote theft. Pawar stated Gandhi's presentation was well-researched. He urged the Election Commission of India to investigate the matter. Pawar admitted the Maha Vikas Aghadi should have been more careful before the Maharashtra elections. He dismissed speculations of aligning with Ajit Pawar's NCP.
    • Six years after the abrogation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir's political landscape remains contested, with leaders demanding the restoration of statehood. Mehbooba Mufti called for a protest blackout, while Omar Abdullah expressed optimism for positive developments.
    • Farooq Abdullah, former J&K chief minister, criticized the current governance in the Union Territory, asserting that a "viceroy" from New Delhi effectively rules despite the presence of an elected government. He questioned the BJP's claims of progress following the abrogation of Article 370, highlighting the Lieutenant Governor's significant authority. Abdullah's remarks precede the sixth anniversary of the abrogation.
    • Farooq Abdullah announced that Congress has scheduled an opposition leaders' meeting in Delhi on August 7 to discuss the Bihar elections. He voiced confidence in the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. Abdullah also addressed Rahul Gandhi's claim of possessing evidence of election manipulation, stating he would investigate it at the upcoming meeting.
    • Farooq Abdullah emphasizes the necessity of restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir to uphold the Indian Constitution, criticizing the region's conversion into a Union Territory. He questions the central government's claims of reduced militancy following the abrogation of Article 370, highlighting the continued security challenges and the absence of an elected government's control over security matters.
    • In Srinagar, National Conference leaders, including Omar Abdullah, Farooq Abdullah, and Sakina Ittoo, defied restrictions to pay tribute at the Naqshband Sahib graveyard. Omar Abdullah scaled the graveyard gates after police sealed the road. Farooq Abdullah rode an auto-rickshaw, while Ittoo arrived on a scooter.
    • Farooq Abdullah stated that the NIA's arrests in the Pahalgam attack case could expose the perpetrators. He mentioned that knowing the attackers' identities and origins is crucial. Abdullah highlighted the National Conference's concerns about security control in the Union Territory. He questioned the central government's normalcy claims amid attacks like the one in Pahalgam.
    • Farooq Abdullah stated that National Conference might approach the Supreme Court if the Centre delays restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. He expressed hope that statehood would restore full powers and also voiced concerns about the recent Pahalgam attack, questioning security effectiveness despite a heavy security presence and advanced technology.
    • Farooq Abdullah lauded the Vande Bharat train after his journey to Srinagar. He highlighted its positive impact on tourism and business. He also acknowledged the connectivity it provides to the rest of India. Abdullah expressed joy after crossing the Chenab Bridge. He called the train service a significant gift for Jammu and Kashmir.
    • Farooq Abdullah stated that a successful Amarnath Yatra would signal peace in Kashmir to the rest of India, encouraging a large turnout of pilgrims. He emphasized that a peaceful pilgrimage could help repair the damage caused by the Pahalgam terror attack.
    • The National Conference, in its first working committee meeting since forming the government in Jammu and Kashmir, reaffirmed its commitment to restoring special status and statehood. Led by Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah, the NC welcomed the India-Pakistan ceasefire and urged sustained peace.
    • Former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah asserted that the Pahalgam attack, which resulted in the deaths of 25 tourists and one local, likely had local support. He recalled opposing the release of Maulana Masood Azhar and criticized Pakistan's role, vowing a strong response to the attack.
    • Farooq Abdullah, National Conference president, labeled Pakistan a "failed state," asserting that improved relations with India hinge on the establishment of a people's government in Pakistan. He cautioned against war, citing nuclear capabilities and advocating for peaceful resolution. Abdullah also criticized the deportation of Pakistani nationals on humanitarian grounds and supported the Centre's caste census for accurate demographic data.
    • Farooq Abdullah, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference chief, condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, citing security and intelligence failures and Pakistan's destabilisation efforts. He criticised Pakistan's propaganda and General Asim Munir's two-nation theory remarks, while supporting PM Modi's response to the attack.
    • Mehbooba Mufti addressed PDP workers, referencing ex-RAW chief Dulat's book. She claimed Farooq Abdullah supported the Article 370 abrogation. Mufti alleged Omar Abdullah sought a coalition with Amit Shah in 2014. She defended the PDP-BJP alliance, stating Article 370 remained untouched during their tenure. Mufti criticized the Waqf Amendment Act and actions against mosques.
    • Opposition parties in Jammu and Kashmir have strongly criticized Farooq Abdullah after AS Dulat's book claimed the National Conference president privately supported the abrogation of Article 370. Sajad Lone and Waheed Para asserted the claims were credible, accusing Abdullah of complicity. Abdullah refuted the claims, stating Dulat's book contained inaccuracies and expressed disappointment over the assertions.
    • Amidst political controversy in Jammu and Kashmir regarding Amarjit Singh Dulat's new book, 'The Chief Minister and the Spy,' the former RAW chief clarifies that the book praises Farooq Abdullah and contains nothing against him. Dulat denies media reports suggesting Abdullah privately backed the Article 370 move, asserting he was misquoted.
    • BJP leader Sunil Sharma criticized the National Conference (NC) for allegedly avoiding accountability by disrupting assembly proceedings over the Waqf Act. He called for an investigation into the killings of NC workers during Farooq and Omar Abdullah's tenures.
    • The ruling alliance in Jammu and Kashmir criticized the recently passed Waqf Amendment Bill as anti-Muslim and anti-minority. They emphasized the importance of respecting the electoral mandate following bureaucratic reshuffles and asserted their commitment to coordinating with the central government and the Lieutenant Governor.
    • Farooq Abdullah reiterated that the Indian government must restore Jammu and Kashmir's statehood as promised in Parliament. He also condemned rising crimes against women and advocated for their proactive role in society. Abdullah emphasized women's participation in governance and pledged to push for greater economic and social opportunities for them.
    • In a key party meeting, the National Conference prepared strategies for the upcoming budget session in Jammu. CM Omar Abdullah and party president Farooq Abdullah advised legislators to highlight developmental achievements and counter Opposition attacks. The session begins March 3, with Omar presenting the first budget of his government elected in October 2024.
    • Jammu and Kashmir police have detained and questioned hundreds of locals across Kashmir Valley following the killing of former army man Manzoor Ahmad Wagay in Kulgam. This large-scale action came after a threatening video from a purported Lashkar e Toiba commander surfaced, vowing to intensify attacks.
    • Dr Farooq Abdullah emphasizes that India's main threat is internal, urging unity and countering divisive narratives. He criticizes false propaganda about Hindus being under threat and addresses economic challenges post Article 370 abrogation. Abdullah stresses the importance of national unity, gender equality, and honest leadership.
    • National Conference President Farooq Abdullah stated his party wants to collaborate with the central government to address Jammu and Kashmir's issues. He emphasized the importance of unity in the INDIA bloc beyond elections, focusing on strengthening India and eliminating hatred. Abdullah highlighted pressing concerns like unemployment and called for proactive measures to prevent incidents like the Tirupati stampede.
    • Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that the Aam Aadmi Party, Congress, and other political parties need to strategize effectively to compete with BJP in the upcoming Delhi elections. Former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah emphasized that their alliance aims to strengthen the country and eliminate hatred.
    • In an interview, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah dismissed BJP's criticism of dynastic politics, highlighting their alliances with similar parties. He emphasized that family lineage isn't a guarantee of success, citing his own electoral loss. Abdullah stated his sons must forge their own paths, acknowledging the precarious nature of political careers.
    • Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has urged the Congress to actively demonstrate its leadership within the INDIA bloc instead of presuming it. While acknowledging the Congress's pan-India presence, Abdullah emphasized that leadership must be earned. He also advised the Congress to champion the restoration of J&K's statehood.
    • National Conference President Farooq Abdullah has expressed confidence in the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. He dismissed slogans promoting division, emphasizing the strength of India's diversity. Abdullah also expressed sorrow over the Jhansi hospital fire tragedy, urging swift government assistance and a thorough investigation.
    • Two village defense guards, Kuldeep Kumar and Nazir Ahmad, were tragically killed by unidentified gunmen in a forested area of Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir. The Kashmir Tigers, an offshoot of Jaish e Muhammad, claimed responsibility for the killings.
    • The BJP criticized Congress over Mallikarjun Kharge's remarks on poll promises. They highlighted BJP's commitment to credible promises under Modi's leadership and accused Congress of corruption and wealth destruction. BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi emphasized the party's approach of wealth creation followed by distribution through welfare schemes as the Indian economy grows.
    • Farooq Abdullah says attacks in Jammu and Kashmir will continue until India and Pakistan find a way to be friends. He urges Pakistan to stop violence and focus on its own betterment. Abdullah also paid tribute to those killed in the recent Gulmarg attack and emphasized the need for coordination with the Centre for smooth governance.
    • Omar Abdullah resigned from the Budgam assembly seat and retained the Ganderbal constituency, the National Conference's bastion. He took oath as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. Under his leadership, the NC-Congress alliance won a majority in the assembly polls held after the abrogation of Article 370. BJP performed impressively with 29 seats.
    • Former chief minister Farooq Abdullah criticizes Pakistan for terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, stressing that talks between India and Pakistan are impossible unless the killings stop. He urges Pakistan to focus on its own development and let Kashmir live in peace and dignity.
    • Engineer Rashid accused Farooq and Omar Abdullah of colluding with PM Modi on the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Rashid claimed that Modi consulted the Abdullahs, calling the process 'match-fixing.' He also alleged that the BJP assisted the National Conference in regaining power. Rashid has a contentious past, having been arrested multiple times under various charges, but currently serves as an MP.
    • Omar Abdullah will be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir at a ceremony in Srinagar. This marks the region's first elected government since the abrogation of Article 370. Omar Abdullah aims to restore statehood and address the people's concerns. Leaders from various political parties will attend the event.
    • Omar Abdullah is nominated as the leader of the National Conference legislative party with support from 42 MLAs. Talks with Congress are ongoing to secure backing for government formation in J&K. The combined NC and independent MLAs now total 46 out of 90 seats.
    • Farooq Abdullah, National Conference President, states the NC-Congress government aims to bridge regional differences in Jammu and Kashmir and build trust among Hindus. He highlights challenges like inflation and unemployment, emphasizing opportunities for youth, while asserting his decision on the choice of the chief minister.
    • The National Conference has won 42 seats in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly election, making it the single largest party. Along with its coalition partners, Congress and CPIM, it is likely to form the government. Omar Abdullah is expected to become the Chief Minister. The BJP secured 29 seats, while PDP and other parties had fewer wins.
    • Jammu and Kashmir are set to get their first government since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. The NC-Congress alliance has a clear majority according to the Election Commission of India. Voter turnout was over 60%. The BJP is trailing and major political parties have promised the reinstation of statehood to the region.
    • Ahead of the vote counting, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah expressed openness to collaborating with Mehbooba Mufti's PDP to form a government in Jammu and Kashmir. He criticized the move to empower the Lieutenant Governor to nominate members for five reserved seats in the Assembly and threatened to approach the Supreme Court if the BJP-led Centre proceeds with it.
    • Former Deputy J&K Chief Minister Kavinder Gupta told Mirwaiz Umar Farooq to avoid commenting on India's foreign policy, stating the government is capable of managing relations with Pakistan. Gupta’s statement followed Mirwaiz’s hopes for positive talks at the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will attend the event in Pakistan this month.
    • Former Jammu Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah expressed hope that India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's upcoming visit to Pakistan for the SCO meeting will foster better relations between the two countries. He emphasized the importance of dialogue over war, and desired that both nations work together to address economic issues and strengthen ties.
    • National Conference president Farooq Abdullah hopes that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's upcoming visit to Islamabad for the SCO meeting will initiate better relations between India and Pakistan, enabling discussions on economic and bilateral issues, despite longstanding tensions.
    • National Conference (NC) denied rumors of backchannel talks with the BJP for forming government in Jammu and Kashmir. The party stated it only contacts INDIA bloc constituents. Former Srinagar mayor Junaid Azim Mattu's claims about NC-BJP negotiations sparked these speculations. NC urged the public to disregard false claims.
    • Former minister and BJP candidate Mushtaq Ahmad Shah Bukhari passed away in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district after suffering a heart attack. Bukhari, who recently joined BJP, had been unwell for some time. He was a two-time former MLA and was contesting from Surankote. His death has been mourned by leaders across political parties.
    • Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal has said that the opposition can't reinstate Article 370 and accused them of misguiding the people of Jammu and Kashmir on this.
    • Farooq Abdullah, National Conference president, urges voters in Jammu and Kashmir to reject candidates he describes as 'devils in disguise' sent by Delhi. He emphasizes the importance of voting for dignity and progress. Abdullah expresses confidence in the NC-Congress alliance securing a majority and criticizes BJP's governance and promises.
    • Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, during an election rally in Srinagar, emphasized his deep connection with the people of J&K, promising to represent them in Parliament. He assured that the Opposition INDIA bloc would push for the restoration of statehood. Gandhi criticized PM Modi's policies, citing unemployment and economic challenges.
    • The BJP criticised former J&K chief minister Farooq Abdullah for advocating talks with Pakistan, questioning if he acts as a representative of the neighboring country. BJP general secretary Tarun Chugh accused Abdullah of prioritizing Pakistan's interests over Jammu and Kashmir's development, highlighting that talks and terrorism cannot coexist.
    • NC chief Farooq Abdullah urged people to support the Congress-NC alliance in the J&K polls, emphasising unity against hatred. He criticized PM Modi's remarks about Muslims and called for communal harmony. Abdullah stressed that the election is about action, not religion, and appealed for votes to strengthen India.
    • Lok Sabha MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid accused National Conference leader Omar Abdullah and People's Conference chief Sajad Gani Lone of conspiring to defeat his Awami Ittehad Party candidates. Rashid, who defeated both leaders in the Baramulla Lok Sabha elections, questioned Abdullah's acceptance of support from a party he previously criticized as the BJP's B team.
    • Home Minister Amit Shah stated that there will be no talks with Pakistan until terrorism is eradicated. He emphasized the importance of the BJP coming to power in Jammu and Kashmir for peace and development. Shah criticized the Gandhi and Abdullah families, asserting they aim to end reservation and revive terrorism.
    • Union Minister Jitendra Singh said that the BJP does not need assistance from other parties in Jammu and Kashmir during the ongoing assembly polls. He emphasized that the BJP fought the election alone. This statement came after remarks by BJP leader Devender Singh Rana about NC supremo Farooq Abdullah's desire to align with the central government.
    • NC chief Farooq Abdullah criticised PM Modi, blaming the release of terrorists in 1989 and 1999 for terrorism growth. He defended NC's role during Partition and opposed BJP's 'one nation, one election' plan. Abdullah also addressed issues like local governance and Article 370 restoration.
    • Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah criticised the BJP-led government, accusing it of aligning with those who once supported Pakistan. He questioned the ongoing terrorism despite the abrogation of Article 370 and alleged that Engineer Rashid's release before elections was a tactic to divide Muslim votes. Assembly polls are scheduled for September and October.
    • National Conference president Farooq Abdullah urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to unite against the BJP and newly released prisoners participating in elections. He emphasized the importance of the Congress-NC alliance to protect J-K's identity and criticized the central government's divisive politics and appointment of outsiders in local administration.
    • Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge announced five guarantees for Jammu and Kashmir, including a Rs 25 lakh health insurance per family and interest-free loans for women entrepreneurs. The Congress-NC alliance also promises to restore statehood, create jobs, and reopen closed schools if voted to power.
    • PDP president Mehbooba Mufti stated that the National Conference allied with Congress in the 1980s only after her father, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, made Congress a viable option in Jammu and Kashmir. She criticised the current NC-Congress alliance for the 2024 elections as a power-sharing pact rather than one based on principles.
    • National Conference president Farooq Abdullah accused the BJP of defaming his party and emphasised that India belongs to all its citizens, including Muslims. He countered BJP's claims that terrorism would resurface if NC and Congress came to power, asserting their coalition would work towards restoring statehood in Jammu and Kashmir.
    • National Conference president Farooq Abdullah accused the BJP of trying to intimidate Hindu voters in Jammu and Kashmir by creating false fears. He claimed that terrorism has not ended despite the repeal of Article 370 and criticized the BJP's campaign strategies. Abdullah also vowed to restore statehood if the NC-Congress alliance comes to power.
    • National Conference president Farooq Abdullah stated that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are the real owners of their land, not slaves of the Centre. He urged BJP supporters in Kashmir to reconsider their stance and emphasised that statehood restoration is a matter for the Centre. Abdullah also addressed party defections as a normal election process and reiterated his call for India-Pakistan dialogue.
    • Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday advocated for the restoration of the region's statehood, asserting that the withdrawal of its autonomous status has not only snatched the state of its identity but also eroded the rights and resources of its people.
    • Tarun Chugh along with other BJP leaders inaugurated the party’s media center in Jammu which will remain active round the clock till the three phase assembly election will conclude and results are announced on October 4.
    • Load more
    DisclaimerThe content of this page has been aggregated from multiple websites. Some information can change over the passage of time.
    The Economic Times
    BACK TO TOP