Jammu, Nov 9 (UNI) Asserting that those dubbing him as anti-national is nothing new, as some people are fashioned to speak such language, National Conference Vice President Dr Farooq Abdullah on Monday said that the fight of Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) is not against the nation but against divisive thoughts.
“The PAGD’s fight is not against the nation but it is to oppose a certain party that has brought the country to an impasse by dividing the communities and creating a wedge between them,” Dr Abdullah said while interacting with a section of media during his visit to Kathua district.
He further said that the constituents of the PAGD will contest the ensuing elections to District Development Councils in Jammu and Kashmir on their respective party symbols, as allotment of combined symbols may not be possible at this advanced stage of the poll process.
“Now very little time is let and therefore the alliance partners would contest on own party symbols but they will be the joint candidates of the PAGD”, Dr Abdullah.
When asked about the propaganda unleashed in certain quarters about remarks attributed to him, Dr Abdullah said those indulging in such vicious campaigns may have nothing to say about the strong defence put forth by him along with Atal Bihari Vajpayee during a United Nations event in Geneva, adding, “when it comes to fighting for the nation, I have always been in the forefront.”
He said, “I have always opposed divisive politics of the BJP, as he believes in the India of Mahatma Gandhi, which is inclusive, based on the spirit of respect for all, harmony and tranquillity”.
He said India belongs to all, irrespective of region, religion or colour and those trying to trample this glorious and unique ethos were enemies of the nation.
To a question on the US elections, Dr Abdullah hoped that the new regime will clear the mess across the world created during the tenure of Donald Trump, adding, “the irrational and reactionary politics has no place in a democracy”.
“Like the US, a change is sure to take place in India also”, he added.
UNI VBH RHK2156