SRINAGAR: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah appealed to the Gujjar and Bakarwal communities to stay vigilant against what he referred to as the BJP’s tactics to “mislead” them in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Addressing a Gujjar and Bakarwal conference at the Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan, Abdullah tasked the Gujjar community not to support the BJP, stating “your existence will be wiped out if you support them.”
He pointed out that the BJP has been targeting various communities, stating “Hindus, who consider us Pakistanis, have been lured by them.” He urged different communities to unite against the BJP, framing it not merely as a matter of development but as a crucial issue of existence.
Abdullah reminisced about the efforts made by his party’s government for the upliftment of backward communities like Gujjar and Bakarwal.
He emphasized the need for people to be proactive and that it is not a matter of water, road or development, but a matter of existence. “If you don’t wake up, then we cannot help it. Our existence is at stake.”
He touched upon global issues, condemning the atrocities on Palestinians and expressing concern over the conflict in Ukraine. He advocated for peaceful relations with neighboring countries and that maintaining peaceful relations with neighboring countries is important for India’s progress.
Abdullah promised a “healing touch” if the National Conference is voted to power in Jammu and Kashmir. He also urged citizens to consider the global scenario, stating, “Our country has been encircled. China has reached the Maldives. It is already in Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Pray to God we don’t face such a situation. We want a developed, peaceful and prosperous India.”
