Dr-Farooq-AbdullahThe senior Abdullah is living upto his reputation. He wanted to shoot his political opponents if he had a gun in his hands. And he never shy away to stir up hornet’s nest by asserting that Afzal Guru’s execution was a handiwork of then Home Secretary, R K Singh.

A day after, Singh shot back by saying NC patron’s son Omar Abdullah knew everything about Guru’s execution. But Dr Farooq Abdullah is more in news for spicing up the public mood during his political rallies for ongoing Parliamentary polls.

Contesting against PDP candidate Tariq Hameed Karra for Srinagar constituency on April 30, Dr Farooq doesn’t hesitate to raise slogans in favour of Article 370 and NC in his rallies.

Born in the late fall of 1937 in Soura, Dr Farooq is a doctor of medicine—who has served as chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir on several occasions since 1982. He is married to Molly, a nurse of British origin.

Known for his sense of humour, the NC president is riding on the invincible streak in politics. He was still a novice in politics in 1981 when he was appointed president of the National Conference. His main qualification was that he was the son and heir of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference leader Sheikh Abdullah. After his father’s death in 1982, Farooq Abdullah became the chief minister of the state. In 1984, the Abdullah government was dismissed by the Governor and replaced with a pro-Congress government under Ghulam Mohammad Shah.

In 1986, that government was dismissed and a new National Conference–Congress government was sworn in with Abdullah as the chief minister. A new election was held in 1987 and the NC-Congress alliance won the election amid allegations of fraud. This period saw a rise in militancy in the state, which subsequently led to the dismissal of Abdullah government and the state was brought under Governor’s rule. In 1996, Abdullah was sworn in as chief minister of the state fifth time.

Known for his repartee, he spares none during his elections rallies. He openly asserts that Modi is a communal storm who has now full support of Muftis who have forged an alliance with BJP.

At Khansahib, he danced with folk singers for more than five minutes. He has candidly admitted many a times that he could have been either a singer or actor, if not in politics.

But senior Abdullah has his share in controversies as well. He is often blamed for his remarks—like the recent ‘Maha chor’ comment.

- Bilal Handoo

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