The Economic Times
English EditionEnglish Editionहिन्दीગુજરાતીमराठीবাংলাಕನ್ನಡമലയാളംதமிழ்తెలుగు
| 14 July, 2024, 06:05 AM IST | Today's ePaper
Monsoon Offer is Live
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    • His third term as the Chief Minister began in 1996 after central government rule was withdrawn from J&K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

    • Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Farooq Abdullah, stated on Tuesday that militancy and dialogue cannot coexist and emphasized that Pakistan must halt the infiltration of intruders from across the border. Reacting to a recent attack in Kathua, Abdullah asserted that militancy cannot alter the border or the situation on the ground.
    • National Conference president Farooq Abdullah emphasized the necessity of talks with Pakistan to end terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir following recent attacks. Three incidents, including an attack on pilgrims and clashes with security forces, resulted in casualties. Abdullah stressed the importance of dialogue to address cross-border terrorism and resolve issues with neighboring countries.
    • National Conference president Farooq Abdullah acknowledged the good security situation in Jammu and Kashmir but highlighted the persistent threat of terrorism due to the porous border with Pakistan. He condemned the recent terror attack on pilgrims and urged unity in denouncing such acts. Abdullah also expressed hope for a peaceful Amaranth Yatra and emphasized the need for India and Pakistan to move beyond mere congratulations and work towards improving relations.
    • The days of "dictatorship" are over and the opposition in the new Lok Sabha would be stronger, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah said here on Friday. The former chief minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir said people have given their verdict and the Constitution has been saved.
    • Farooq Abdullah, National Conference President, advocates dialogue for peace in Jammu and Kashmir despite criticism. Hopes for change in government post Lok Sabha results.
    • Elections in the last of the five seats in Jammu and Kashmir take place against the backdrop of four terror incidents, including one that claimed the life of an Indian Air Force soldier and a former BJP sarpanch.
    • Farooq Abdullah urges Centre to probe Jammu and Kashmir terror attacks, asks Pakistan to stop supporting terrorism. Terrorists kill Aijaz Sheikh in Shopian, injure tourist couple from Rajasthan in Anantnag. Abdullah questions Delhi's stance on terrorism post Article 370 abrogation, demands probe into attacks in Mendhar, Poonch. Calls for investigation into attacks on tourists in Anantnag.
    • In a purported video clip that has gone viral on social media, Aiyar was heard saying that India should give respect to Pakistan as it is a sovereign nation and engage with it as it also possesses the atom bomb. While Aiyar has said the video was old and dredged up now as the BJP's election campaign is faltering, the Congress had said it totally disagreed with the remarks made by Aiyar some months ago.
    • Targeting leaders of INDIA bloc for cautioning India to be "scared" of Pakistan, PM Modi reminded the opposition that ceasefire violations have been reduced at the border during his 10-year regime.
    • National Conference president Farooq Abdullah accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of attempting to divide the nation for political gain. He emphasised that the nation will outlast any individual leader. Abdullah stressed the importance of unity and collaboration for a prosperous future. He criticised Modi for creating discord and using religious sentiments for personal benefit. Abdullah raised suspicions regarding the fire incident at the Income Tax office in Delhi, suggesting it was an attempt to conceal information due to fear of electoral defeat.
    • Addressing an election rally in Muzaffarpur Lok Sabha constituency of Bihar, Modi made an apparent reference to a recent statement of National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah, without mentioning him by name. "The INDIA bloc seems to have leaders who are scared of Pakistan and have nightmares of its nuclear power," he said.
    • Elaborate security for May 13 Srinagar polling with voter concerns. Accusations of worker harassment, detentions by political parties. Calls for fair elections despite manipulation. NC chief warns against tactics affecting election outcomes.
    • Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has said those speaking Pakistan's language while living in India should be charged with treason and put behind bars as he dubbed the statements of opposition leaders Vijay Wadettiwar and Farooq Abdullah their frustration about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rise.
    • Farooq Abdullah challenges PM Modi's claim of Congress copying Muslim League in the manifesto. Urges BJP to read and understand the actual content. Abdullah refutes Modi's criticism of Congress over Sam Pitroda's 'inheritance tax' remarks.
    • Additional General Secretary Ladakh Qamar Ali Akhoon said the party high command was pressuring them to extend support to official Congress candidate from Ladakh, but it is against the decision taken by Kargil Democratic Alliance which has put up Haji Haneefa Jan as its candidate.
    • NC president Farooq Abdullah emphasized the humanitarian crisis faced by Kashmiri Pandit migrants, criticizing the BJP for exploiting their sufferings for political gain without addressing their grievances. He urged for urgent attention and meaningful solutions, highlighting the migrants' hardships and lack of basic amenities. Abdullah called for a more inclusive approach, prioritizing human dignity and justice. NC leaders criticized the BJP's divisive policies and urged the migrant community to participate in the Lok Sabha polls to bring about change. They vowed to continue advocating for the migrants' welfare and criticized the BJP for failing to fulfill promises of rehabilitation.
    • “They (NC) accuse everyone of being A team and B team (of the BJP). In 1992 when Babri masjid was demolished 2000 to 3000 muslims were brutally killed. It was the first planned communal riot where addresses of muslims were identified in high rise buildings and they were killed,” said Lone, adding, “two big parties played a role in that, BJP and Shiv Sena and NC alligned with both after that.”
    • Farooq Abdullah in Ranchi stated Lord Ram belongs to all, not just Hindus. Criticised a party for falsely claiming ownership. Mentioned arrests of Hemant Soren, Arvind Kejriwal. Urged support for INDIA bloc to save democracy and country.
    • PDP president Mehbooba Mufti criticised National Conference leader Chaudhary Mohammad Akram for equating Congress with BJP, urging Congress workers to reconsider supporting NC in Jammu and Kashmir. Mufti highlighted historical tensions between the two parties and accused NC of undermining PDP within the PAGD alliance for the upcoming elections.
    • When asked about the BJP's charge that the NC, PDP and Congress had done no good work in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah said, "I don't think I need to react. Let the people do that. If what the Prime Minister says has so much power, then let them field BJP candidates and seek votes in the name of the BJP."
    • ​Reacting to PM Modi's remarks that the "Congress manifesto is a Muslim League manifesto aimed to break the country", Abdullah told media persons, "I don't think the (Congress) manifesto is to break the country. I think the manifesto is to make the country strong and keep it secular, that is what it is. If anybody thinks otherwise, they are already dividing the nation in their own ways."
    • The discussions encompassed crucial matters concerning the region's issues and organisational affairs with key emphasis on strengthening the party for the parliamentary elections.
    • NC president Dr. Farooq Abdullah responded casually to People's Conference chief Sajad Gani Lone's threat of filing an FIR for alleged rigging in the 1987 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls. Abdullah suggested Lone should take action if he wishes. He also dismissed concerns about PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti contesting elections in Kashmir.
    • Farooq Abdullah, 86, won't contest LS election due to health. NC to field candidates in Kashmir, support INDIA alliance in Jammu. Mian Altaf to contest Anantnag-Rajouri. Most appropriate candidate for Srinagar, north Kashmir. Omar Abdullah's statement.
    • Farooq Abdullah, National Conference president and MP for Srinagar, opts out of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections due to health concerns, as announced by his son Omar Abdullah. Emphasizing the party's dedication to fielding a strong candidate, Omar urges support for the NC. Farooq's decision signals shifts in Srinagar's political scene, setting the stage for a competitive election with the NC aiming to solidify its position.
    • Farooq Abdullah criticized BJP for emulating Russia and China, leads INDIA bloc to protect the Constitution, condemned Centre's quietness on Ladakh, and contested elections in Jammu, highlighting issues with Katchatheevu island and China's incursions.
    • The Anantnag constituency, which spreads across the Pir Panjal range to include Rajouri and Poonch areas after the delimitation, will go to polls on May 7 in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections.
    • Speaking at the Maha Rally held at the capital's Ramlila Maidan to protest against the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal in the Delhi liquor policy case, Mufti said, "Today, the country is going through some tough times. People are being jailed without any investigation. This is 'Kalyug ka Amrit Kaal'. I am not talking about Umar Khalid or Mohammad Zubair, I am talking about your elected representatives. It is not surprising to me. Myself, Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah, all three former CMs are under house arrest. The one who violates the law is a traitor."
    • Speaking at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' on Sunday, the NC leader also asked people to "check the paper and verify their vote" as he termed the electronic voting machine a 'thief'.
    • Jammu and Kashmir braces for its first significant electoral contest as a union territory after its reorganization in 2019. The five Lok Sabha seats will witness key battles, including Udhampur, where Union Minister Jitendra Singh seeks reelection, and Srinagar, currently held by National Conference's Farooq Abdullah. Anantnag-Rajouri, with redrawn boundaries, remains a focus for parties seeking to bolster their parliamentary presence.
    • In an interview with ANI, CEC Kumar said, "We are yet to hold assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. I mentioned in the press conference earlier today that the way for conducting legal elections has opened since December 23. This is March, and there is snowfall in the region, hence the question of holding elections does not arise at this point."
    • CEC Rajiv Kumar stated that Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections will be held after Lok Sabha polls due to security concerns. The Election Commission will ensure a fair election process, following constitutional provisions and recommendations for ethical campaigning.
    • National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah called on the Election Commission of India to uphold democracy in Jammu and Kashmir by announcing dates for Parliament and assembly polls. He criticised the delay in holding elections and emphasized the importance of restoring democracy in the region. Abdullah also highlighted the opportunity to implement 'one nation, one election' starting from J-K.
    • PDP leader Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura said his party also batted for holding assembly and Lok Sabha elections simultaneously. "It is now up to the Election Commission to decide on this," he told reporters after the meeting. After the meeting with political parties, the poll panel will hold a detailed review of the election preparedness with District Election Officers and superintendents of police, officials said.
    • PDP leader Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura said his party also batted for holding assembly and Lok Sabha elections simultaneously. "It is now up to the Election Commission to decide on this," he told reporters after the meeting. After the meeting with political parties, the poll panel will hold a detailed review of the election preparedness with District Election Officers and superintendents of police, officials said.
    • National Conference to contest 3 Lok Sabha seats in Kashmir valley. In talks with Congress for seat sharing in Jammu and Ladakh regions. Discussions ongoing for 2 seats in Jammu and 1 in Ladakh.
    • Farooq Abdullah, National Conference chief, warns against opportunist politicians who weakened the voice of people in J&K. He cautions against vote division, threats to identity and aspirations, and covert support to BJP. Abdullah emphasizes the need for a public relations campaign and prioritizing love of nation over personal interest.
    • Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, aimed at pre-poll mobilisation, is not as successful as his previous yatra. Alliance members have been ditching the party during the current yatra, which started in Thoubal, Manipur and will end in Mumbai. His previous yatra covered Kanyakumari to Kashmir and saw participation from celebrities like Kamal Haasan and Pooja Bhatt.
    • The National Conference and People's Democratic Party are key members of the INDIA bloc from Jammu and Kashmir and of the People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), a grouping of regional parties formed in October 2020 to strive for restoration of statehood and special status of J&K.
    • The National Conference is a part of the INDIA grouping and will continue to be, party leader Omar Abdullah clarified on Thursday and said it is in talks with the Congress for an arrangement in three of the six Lok Sabha seats in Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Omar Abdullah's statement came shortly after NC chief Farooq Abdullah told reporters that the party would contest the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections and possible assembly polls in the Union Territory on its own.
    • PAGD, an amalgam of five political parties -- National Conference, People's Democratic Party, CPI(M), CPM and Awami National Conference (ANC) -- was formed in 2019 for restoration of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.
    • The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday issued fresh summons to National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah for questioning in Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association money laundering case, reported PTI, citing officials.
    • Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan leads protest in Delhi against Centre's alleged economic discrimination towards the state. Joined by CMs Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwat Mann, along with other leaders, Vijayan vows to preserve federal structure and demand equal treatment for states. The protest comes amidst an ongoing probe into Vijayan's daughter's IT firm. Vijayan accuses Centre of squeezing Kerala financially and using tactics like ED summons and governor interference against opposition-led states.
    • National Conference president Farooq Abdullah condemned the terror attack on innocent civilians. Rashtriya Bajrang Dal activists held protests in Jammu. Last year, there were three attacks on non-local workers in Jammu and Kashmir.
    • An unidentified gunmen shot dead a non-local trader and critically injured another in Srinagar's Shaheed Gunj area. Amritpal Singh, a resident of Amritsar, succumbed to his injuries, while Rohit, also from Punjab, is undergoing treatment. The attack occurred amidst assertions of improved security in J&K. Political leaders across parties condemned the violence, calling it barbaric and hindering peace efforts.
    • Abdullah said: "If we have to save the country, we will have to forget differences and think about the country... If seat-sharing arrangement is not finalised then there is a threat to the alliance. It should be done in a time-bound manner. It is possible some may come together to form a separate alliance, which I feel is the biggest danger. There is still time."
    • The MP from Srinagar Lok Sabha seat was charge-sheeted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the JKCA case in 2022. The case relates to siphoning off the funds of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association by way of transfer to various personal bank accounts of unrelated parties, including those of JKCA office bearers, and by way of unexplained cash withdrawals from JKCA bank accounts, the ED had said.
    • The Enforcement Directorate has summoned National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah in connection with a money laundering case related to alleged irregularities in the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA). The case involves the siphoning off of funds from JKCA to personal bank accounts, including those of JKCA office bearers. Farooq Abdullah was charge-sheeted in this case in 2022. The summons requires him to appear at the ED office in Srinagar for questioning. The case originated from a 2018 charge-sheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation against the same accused.
    • The consecration ceremony scheduled for January 22 will witness the installation of the idol of Ram Lalla (Lord Ram in his childlike form) at the grand temple. It is expected to be attended by hundreds of officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The trust has also invited 4,000 saints of all sects for the ceremony.
    • The former chief minister trashed the BJP claims about end of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. "Four years ago, the Home Minister made a speech in Chennai where he said Article 370 was responsible for terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Now terrorism will finish in JK and development is being done.
    • Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Farooq Abdullah warned on Tuesday that the Union Territory will meet the same fate as Gaza and Palestine if the political leaders of both India and Pakistan do not find a solution through dialogue. He also urged the leaders of both India and Pakistan to find a solution to their bilateral issues through dialogue.
    • "Outside every home in Kashmir there is a soldier with a modern weapon. Do you think they (people) will come out to die? You will see when this weapon is removed how stone pelting will resume. Stones will be thrown on even my head," said Abdullah, who represents Srinagar in the Lok Sabha.
    • The recent terrorist attack on an army convoy in Poonch, resulting in the loss of four army personnel, has led to political reactions. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut compared the incident to the 2019 Pulwama attack, questioning the government's response and motives. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah stated that terrorism persists in the region.
    • Parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi, while moving a motion for the suspension of MPs, accused the protesting members of being "frustrated" over the recent assembly election results.
    • Farooq Abdullah, a National Conference leader, expressed disappointment over the Supreme Court's ruling upholding Article 370's abrogation and defended Jawaharlal Nehru against Home Minister Amit Shah's allegations. Abdullah clarified Nehru's absence during the crucial cabinet meeting that decided on Article 370 and highlighted Sardar Patel's presence. The Supreme Court's decision, endorsing Article 370's abrogation, mandated assembly elections by September-end and promised statehood restoration "at the earliest," leading Abdullah to question the delayed statehood and election timelines.
    • Speaking to reporters in Delhi, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah said, "Elections have still not happened in Jammu and Kashmir. It's been six to seven years. What is the reason? We are also a part of India. We should also get justice."
    • Opposition alleged the BJP is remote controlling the region and is scared to hold elections here. The protest was held at Maharaja Hari Singh park, with participation of a sizeable number of political workers. However, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti, both former chief ministers of J&K, could not attend the protest.
    • National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti have both criticized the United Nations for its failure to resolve the long-standing issue of Palestine. Abdullah stated that innocent people on both sides are being killed and that war is not a solution. Mufti expressed her hope for an end to the hostilities and criticized the world's selective outrage over the conflict. Both leaders called for a resolution to the Palestine issue to ensure peace.
    • Farooq Abdullah, the former chief minister and leader of the National Conference, criticized the BJP-led government for claiming normalcy in the region while not holding elections. The opposition parties argue that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir warrants immediate elections, as stated by the Election Commission of India.
    • Abdullah, a former CM of Jammu and Kashmir who represents Srinagar in the Lok Sabha, held a meeting with the leaders of parties including the People's Democratic Party, Panthers Party and the Congress.
    • The operation in Kokernag area of Anantnag, Kashmir, has entered its fifth day, with armed forces firing mortar and shells in search of trapped militants. The security cordon has been extended to neighboring villages to prevent militants from escaping. A charred body was found in the forests, but its identity remains unknown. One CRPF personnel was injured during the operation.
    • Farooq Abdullah, the president of the National Conference, believes that the conflict in Jammu and Kashmir will not end until India and Pakistan engage in dialogue. He stated that encounters and militancy will continue until both countries come to the table to find a solution. Abdullah also expressed concerns about the removal of additional duty on imported fruits from the US, as it may negatively impact the local produce and farmers. He urged the government to address this issue to prevent losses for the farmers.
    • Bihar CM and JDU leader Nitish Kumar, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, NC leader Farooq Abdullah, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Badal will gather for a rally in Haryana’s Kaithal on September 25. The rally is being organised by the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) to mark the birth anniversary of its founder and former PM Devi Lal, which the party celebrates as ‘Samman Divas.’
    • ​​ Talking to reporters after landing in Mumbai, the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said a final roadmap for taking on the BJP has to be prepared. He also said that it should be clear by September 1 who will be the convenor of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) or whether a convenor was needed in the first place.
    • Amid speculations around the seat-sharing formula that is to be adopted by the INDIA partners, National Conference (NC) patriarch Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said the focus, for now, was for the Opposition bloc to secure a majority in next year's Lok Sabha elections.
    • History cannot be buried or changed by removing the names of leaders who have not been a part of the BJP, it will "emerge" and "remain", said National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Friday. "They are removing Nehru's and Indira Gandhi's name. They are removing the names of every leader who is not a part of them, but history does not change," Abdullah told reporters.
    • India's government will not hold a dialogue with Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir issue, according to Tarun Chugh, a BJP leader. He criticised National Conference President Farooq Abdullah for suggesting talks with Islamabad, and accused former Kashmiri chief minister Mehbooba Mufti of negative politics.
    • National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said promoting border tourism or holding rallies in Jammu and Kashmir is only a tamasha which will go on until India and Pakistan hold talks with honesty on the Kashmir issue. "The hearts of both the countries should be pure. There has been enough show-off," the Srinagar MP told reporters here when asked whether the situation in Kashmir had changed as border tourism is being promoted and Tiranga rallies are being organised across the valley.
    • On the Jammu and Kashmir administration allowing the Muharram procession in the city for the first time in 35 years, the NC president said there was no reason not to allow it before but "some of our very own people were against it".
    • ​​"Manipur situation is a tragedy for all of us. It is doomsday for every Indian," said Abdullah.
    • "We are being accused of going with Shiv Sena and that there is no difference between BJP and Shiv Sena. Sena's Hindutva is all encompassing, it takes everyone along while BJP's Hindutva is poisonous, they are Manuwadi and are a threat to the nation. BJP's Hindutva creates a discord between people," Sharad Pawar said at the Yashwantrao Chavan Centre in Mumbai's Nariman Point.
    • The Lok Sabha member from Srinagar said the government should think and rethink about the consequences of implementing the UCC. They should keep all this under consideration and instead of pushing it through, they should think of the consequences. Lest, there might be a storm," Abdullah added.
    • Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed a public rally in Jammu, stating that the Modi government has created a solid foundation for removing corruption from the country. He blamed the previous UPA government for being involved in scams worth Rs 12 lakh crore. Shah also accused the National Conference, Congress, and PDP parties of being responsible for the death of 42,000 individuals due to terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.
    • The Aam Aadmi Party gave an ultimatum to the Congress to declare that it would vote against the bill to replace the ordinance to curtail powers of the Delhi government. The Patna meeting's objective also came under a cloud after some other parties expressed reluctance to form an electoral alliance against the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.
    • Former chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti and Farooq Abdullah, have said that the Hindu-Muslim brotherhood during Amarnath Yatra is a reflection of 'Kashmiriyat' and a lesson for those spreading hatred in the name of religion across the country.
    • MP Farooq Abdullah, the Lok Sabha MP from Srinagar, discussed with the concerned authorities the availability of facilities for the pilgrims, including healthcare, electricity, water supply and sanitation, and disaster management among others.
    • National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Sunday said holding the G20 event in Kashmir will not benefit tourism in the Valley till India and Pakistan resolve the "future" of the Union Territory through dialogue. He also said Jammu and Kashmir was suffering heavy losses because of the lack of an elected government.
    • Siddaramaiah will be sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka for the second term on Saturday, along with the KPCC chief D K Shivakumar as the Deputy Chief Minister. Some legislators are also expected to be sworn in as ministers along with the CM and Deputy CM, even as both the Congress Legislature Party leader Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are in Delhi discussing with the party's high command the names of ministers to be inducted into the new cabinet and the allocation of portfolios.
    • We need a stable Pakistan which is essential for peace in the sub-continent... We would wish that country well. It's our neighbour and we hope something better will come and people will have a peaceful life," Farooq Abdullah, a former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister said.
    • Politician Farooq Abdullah has suggested that strong regional parties should be supported in a "one against one" strategy to defeat the BJP in India's 2024 elections. The 85-year-old former Union minister suggested that opposition parties should recognise the importance of state politics and support those parties doing well, such as Mamata Banerjee's TMC in West Bengal.
    • Five Army personnel were killed and another was seriously injured in the terrorist attack that triggered a fire in their vehicle on Thursday. The Army said the victims belonged to a Rashtriya Rifles unit deployed for counter-terrorism operations.
    • Jumat ul Vida, is the last Friday of Ramadan, considered to be the holiest Friday of the Islamic calendar and is also celebrated as Yaum-al-Quds in support of Palestine. On this day muslims across the world offer the prayers at the respective central mosques or Jama Masjids and organize gatherings in support of palestinian struggle.
    • Congress leader Sonia Gandhi was also seen wearing a black scarf while some party MPs wore black shirts. National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah was wearing a black kurta.
    • Leaders of opposition parties across the spectrum said the EC has a constitutional obligation to conduct assembly elections in J&K and that delaying or not conducting the polls amounts to denial of democratic and fundamental rights and breach of the constitutional guarantees.
    • Asked on chances of Stalin becoming the Prime Minister, he told reporters: "Why not? Why can't he become the Prime Minister?."
    • National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday said his party will rollback all the "anti-people" steps taken by the Jammu and Kashmir administration, including the proposed property tax, if it is voted to power. He made these remarks while chairing a provincial committee meeting at the party headquarters, Nawa-e-Subha.
    • National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said the Centre should hold the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir if its claims on return of normalcy to the Union Territory were true.
    • "This has happened because of the noise made by the people. If people had not made noise, they would have intensified the drive. People should remember that they have the power to shake the government," he added.
    • National Conference (NC) MP Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday lauded the President's Address ahead of the commencement of the Budget Session of the Parliament and said that it was a "good Address".
    • The march entered Jammu and Kashmir through Lakhanpur on Thursday and halted there for the night following the flag handover ceremony which was attended by a galaxy of prominent leaders including National Conference president Farooq Abdullah.
    • The IED blast took place near one of the houses where the attackers had opened indiscriminate fire on Sunday. Police officials at the spot said that the assailants had allegedly kept the IED beneath a sack, which couldn’t be identified on Sunday night but another IED was found at the spot and disposed of by the forces.
    • "I want to tell the party that boycotting the panchayat elections (in 2018) was a huge mistake. Remember this, we will not boycott any coming election. Instead (we will) contest and win them," Abdullah said while addressing the party's delegate session where he was re-elected unopposed as National Conference (NC) president.
    • Abdullah clarified that he hasn't resigned from the post of the president yet as has been reported but will continue to lead the party until the elections are conducted. “Ours is a democratic and elections should happen. Youngsters should take a lead now. Till the time elections happen, I am the president of the party,” Abdullah told reporters.
    • "Dr Farooq Abdullah Sahib has informed his colleagues of his decision to step down as president of JKNC. In spite of the best efforts of senior colleagues in the party Dr Sahib was adamant that he wouldn't review his decision," the JKNC said in a tweet.
    • Farooq Abdullah dismissed suggestions that the constituency incharges named by National Conference would get the party mandate for assembly elections. "People are making up a lot of things. If we start to respond to each and everything, how can we function then? No one is the MLA candidate. We will have talks about coalitions and also about PAGD," he said.
    • "Our protests on the roads will be peaceful and in accordance with our constitutional rights," senior National Conference leader and MP Hasnain Masoodi told reporters after the meeting at the residence of PAGD chairperson and former chief minister Farooq Abdullah in Jammu.
    • The NC president said there are no external threats to the country, "there are divisive forces within the country that are weakening it". "We should stop seeing ourselves as Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs. I'm an Indian Muslim. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, we have to unite this country, and that can only be achieved by living in friendship," he said.
    • Abdullah issued a white paper on development undertaken in Jammu and Kashmir during the rule of "Abdullah and Sons" as Shah referred the family in his speech at a rally in Baramulla district to counter the allegations of corruption. Enumerating major steps taken by National Conference founder and his father Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah as the head of the state, Farooq Abdullah said this list is by no means complete but just a snapshot of some of the works done.
    • The former Union minister, however, said that the people of J-K will also have to play their role by registering and subsequently coming out in large numbers to vote, whenever elections are held. "Our region is at crossroads, it requires us to remain united as never before. It also requires our party men to educate and inform people about the designs of the anti-JK forces," he added.
    • "We are in the Supreme Court (for the restoration of Article 370) and are hopeful that it will hear the petitions soon and we will get relief from this difficult situation," the former chief minister said.
    • 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