SRINAGAR: In a show of solidarity against what they perceive as attacks on democracy and the Constitution, National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti shared the stage at a massive rally organised by the INDIA bloc in New Delhi. The event was on Sunday.
Despite recent tensions over seat allocation in the Kashmir region, particularly regarding the Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency, both leaders made it clear that they are committed to the alliance. Farooq Abdullah reiterated their unwavering support, stating, “We are with the INDIA bloc and will remain with it till our last breath.” Mufti echoed this sentiment, emphasizing their dedication to the alliance despite challenges.
The rally, dubbed Loktantra Bachao (save democracy), served as a platform for opposition leaders to denounce what they perceive as violations of the Constitution by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government. Farooq Abdullah highlighted the alleged attacks on the Constitution and urged the public to vote against such actions. Mufti lamented the state of affairs, labeling it as Kalyug ka Amrit Kaal, where individuals are incarcerated without due process, citing the arrests of opposition leaders as examples.
Both leaders condemned the arrests of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, viewing them as politically motivated moves aimed at stifling dissent. Mufti defended Kejriwal’s achievements in Delhi, such as providing free education and healthcare, and criticized the BJP’s selective targeting of opposition figures.
The rally also saw accusations against the BJP of nepotism and corruption, with Mufti alleging that the ruling party has a vendetta against the Nehru-Gandhi family while turning a blind eye to nepotism within its own ranks. She criticised the government for failing to deliver on promises of job creation and accused them of criminalising youth.
The leaders urged the public to recognise the significance of their vote in upholding democracy and the Constitution. Mufti stressed the importance of standing up against attempts to undermine the electoral process and called on citizens to amplify the voices of opposition leaders who are currently incarcerated.
The arrests of Kejriwal and Soren, both on charges related to alleged financial irregularities, were highlighted as examples of pre-election rigging by the ruling party. The leaders urged supporters to become vocal advocates for democracy, utilising social media and other platforms to counter what they perceive as biased narratives perpetuated by mainstream media.
“I am not talking about Umar Khalid who has been in jail for last two years or Sidheeq Kappan (a journalist who was arrested in 2020 and was released later). I am talking about your representatives whom you elect as MLAs, chief ministers, Lok Sabha members. They are slapped with corruption allegations, and put behind bars. We have seen this in Jammu and Kashmir over the last five years,” Mehbooba said. “Those who flout laws and Constitution are not patriot but an anti-national. Jammu and Kashmir is a laboratory. Things are first tested there and then applied elsewhere.”
The two parties are at war with each other over the seat sharing in Kashmir. JKNC has refused to offer PDP even a single seat despite the fact that both the parties are main forces behind the PAGD. Now, reports said, Congress is mediating between the two.
