A 15-member National Conference (NC) delegation on Saturday met party President Farooq Abdullah in Srinagar.

Farooq and his son Omar Abdullah are under preventive detention following the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5.

The security has been beefed around the venue. The delegation was allowed by the Jammu and Kashmir administration to meet the father-son duo yesterday.

After the Central government decided to revoke the special constitutional status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K) under Article 370, two months ago, the region was placed under a communications blockade and several mainstream political leaders, including the father-son duo and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti were put under house arrest.

 
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A 15-member National Conference (NC) delegation on Saturday met party President Farooq Abdullah in Srinagar. Farooq and his son Omar Abdullah are under preventive detention following the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5.

A 15-member National Conference (NC) delegation on Saturday met party President Farooq Abdullah in Srinagar. Farooq and his son Omar Abdullah are under preventive detention following the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5. The security has been beefed around the venue. The delegation was allowed by the Jammu and Kashmir administration to meet the father-son duo yesterday. After the Central government decided to revoke the special constitutional status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) under Article 370, two months ago, the region was placed under a communications blockade and several mainstream political leaders, including the father-son duo and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti were put under house arrest.

Jammu and Kashmir: National Conference delegation meets Farooq Abdullah

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to set up a panel to give suggestions on issues related to '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-chaired-all-party-meeting-over-one-nation-one-election-underway-at-parliament-228677">One nation, One election</a>' proposal, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday after the meeting of heads of various political parties to discuss the 'Simultaneous Elections' concept.&nbsp;

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address, said that a committee will be constituted to give its suggestions on the subject (One Nation, One Election) in a time-bound manner," Rajnath Singh said&nbsp;while speaking to the media after the meeting.

NCP leader Sharad Pawar, CPI-M's Sitaram Yechury, Bihar Chief Minister and JD (U) leader Nitish Kumar, SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti, NCP chief Farooq Abdullah and BJD leader Naveen Patnaik and National People's Party leader Conard Sangma were among the leaders who attended the meeting chaired by PM Modi.

"Most parties gave their support to One Nation, One Election," Rajnath Singh said.

"CPI(M) and CPI had a difference of opinion but they didn't oppose the idea, just the implementation of it," he added.

Meanwhile, several opposition parties, including the Congress, skipped the all-party meeting. Those joining the Congress in not attending the meeting included Shiv Sena, Samajwadi Party (SP), the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), the DMK, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Trinamool Congress.

The concept of 'One Nation, One Election', which was part of BJP's 2019 manifesto, was recommended by the Law Commission last year in August to save public money.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to set up a panel to give suggestions on issues related to 'One nation, One election' proposal, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday after the meeting of heads of various political parties to discuss the 'Simultaneous Elections' concept.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to set up a panel to give suggestions on issues related to 'One nation, One election' proposal, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday after the meeting of heads of various political parties to discuss the 'Simultaneous Elections' concept. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address, said that a committee will be constituted to give its suggestions on the subject (One Nation, One Election) in a time-bound manner," Rajnath Singh said while speaking to the media after the meeting. NCP leader Sharad Pawar, CPI-M's Sitaram Yechury, Bihar Chief Minister and JD (U) leader Nitish Kumar, SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti, NCP chief Farooq Abdullah and BJD leader Naveen Patnaik and National People's Party leader Conard Sangma were among the leaders who attended the meeting chaired by PM Modi. "Most parties gave their support to One Nation, One Election," Rajnath Singh said. "CPI(M) and CPI had a difference of opinion but they didn't oppose the idea, just the implementation of it," he added. Meanwhile, several opposition parties, including the Congress, skipped the all-party meeting. Those joining the Congress in not attending the meeting included Shiv Sena, Samajwadi Party (SP), the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), the DMK, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Trinamool Congress. The concept of 'One Nation, One Election', which was part of BJP's 2019 manifesto, was recommended by the Law Commission last year in August to save public money.

PM Modi to form committee for 'one nation, one election'

A day before the budget session, an all-party meeting convened by the government was held Sunday in which the opposition demanded that issues such as farm distress, unemployment and drought should be debated upon in Parliament.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the meeting, attended by representatives of all parties, including Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah and TMC leader Derek O'Brien.

The Prime Minister has called a meeting of chiefs of all parties having representatives in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on June 19 to discuss "one nation, one election" issue, celebration of 75 years of India's Independence in 2022, 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary this year and issues of "aspirational districts", Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi said after the meeting.

He said the PM has also called a meeting of MPs to discuss the issues on June 20.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Azad said that all those bills which are in the interest of the people "we are not opposed to them".

There should be a discussion on farmers distress, unemployment and drought, he said.

He also called for early conduct of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, currently under President's rule, asserting that if Lok Sabha polls can be held then why not state polls.

It appears that the Centre wants to run the state through the Governor's administration, he alleged.

Congress's Adhir Ranjan Choudhary and K Suresh were also present at the meeting.

TMC's O'Brien demanded that the Women's Reservation Bill, which seeks to reserve one-third of all seats for women in Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, be brought immediately in the session.

The first session of the newly-constituted 17th Lok Sabha will be held from June 17 to July 26.

A day before the budget session, an all-party meeting convened by the government was held Sunday in which the opposition demanded that issues such as farm distress, unemployment and drought should be debated upon in Parliament.

A day before the budget session, an all-party meeting convened by the government was held Sunday in which the opposition demanded that issues such as farm distress, unemployment and drought should be debated upon in Parliament. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the meeting, attended by representatives of all parties, including Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah and TMC leader Derek O'Brien. The Prime Minister has called a meeting of chiefs of all parties having representatives in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on June 19 to discuss "one nation, one election" issue, celebration of 75 years of India's Independence in 2022, 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary this year and issues of "aspirational districts", Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi said after the meeting. He said the PM has also called a meeting of MPs to discuss the issues on June 20. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Azad said that all those bills which are in the interest of the people "we are not opposed to them". There should be a discussion on farmers distress, unemployment and drought, he said. He also called for early conduct of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, currently under President's rule, asserting that if Lok Sabha polls can be held then why not state polls. It appears that the Centre wants to run the state through the Governor's administration, he alleged. Congress's Adhir Ranjan Choudhary and K Suresh were also present at the meeting. TMC's O'Brien demanded that the Women's Reservation Bill, which seeks to reserve one-third of all seats for women in Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, be brought immediately in the session. The first session of the newly-constituted 17th Lok Sabha will be held from June 17 to July 26.

Ahead of budget session, PM Modi chairs all-party meet; opposition demands debate on unemployment, farm distress

Amit Shah seems to have hit the ground running in the very first week of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-takes-charge-as-union-home-minister-223339">taking over as India’s Home Minister</a>. He has held a slew of review meetings, mostly on internal security and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

In the latest review meeting on Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday - his second in as many days - Shah reportedly discussed redrawing the long pending delimitation of constituencies in the state. However, there has been no confirmation from the Ministry of Home Affairs on whether the delimitation matter was discussed at the meeting today.&nbsp;

As of now, four MLAs are elected from the Ladakh region, 46 MLAs come from Kashmir and 37 from the Jammu region.&nbsp;

In case delimitation is implemented in J&amp;K, it will lead to an increase in number of seats from the Jammu region, thereby opening the door for a Hindu Chief Minister. Till now, the state has always seen a Muslim chief minister. Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad was the first Muslim chief minister from the Jammu region. Rest of the chief ministers have come from the Kashmir region.

Traditionally, the position of deputy chief minister has always been accorded a Hindu from the state no matter which government came in power.

Watch:&nbsp;Amit Shah takes charge as India's Home Minister

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/amit-shah-takes-charge-as-indias-home-minister-223331/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

With President’s Rule operational in Jammu and Kashmir, Shah has already had a closed-door meeting with Governor Satyapal Malik. He also met Intelligence Bureau Director Rajiv Jain and Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba.

In December 2016, a Cabinet sub-committee on implementation of agenda of the alliance of PDP-BJP had referred the said issue of working out the modalities for delimitation to a high-level of the bureaucratic panel but it could not fructify. At the crux of delimitation is redrawing the scope and size of Assembly constituencies and determine the number of seats to be reserved for Scheduled Castes.

This is being planned to correct regional disparity long suffered by the Jammu region, and provide representation to all reserved categories in the State Assembly. As per the 2011 Census, Jammu holds 25.93 per cent of the area with 42.89 per cent of the population whereas the Kashmir valley has 15.73 per cent of the area and 54.93 per cent of the population. The Ladakh region holds 58.33 per cent of the area but only 2.18 per cent of the population.

The last time delimitation took place in Kashmir was in 1995 by a commission headed by Justice (retired) KK Gupta.

The Constitution of India provides for delimitation to be carried out every 10 years. Going by this logic, the next delimitation would have taken place in 2005 but in 2002 Farooq Abdullah chose to freeze delimitation exercise in the state until 2026 by amending the Jammu and Kashmir Representation Act and Section 47(3) of the state’s constitution. It put the contentious matter in abeyance.

This is where the Governor comes in. He is competent to amend Section 47 of the J&amp;K constitution because, during the President’s Rule, the legislative authority is vested in the Governor. During the last delimitation exercise, the state was divided into 87 Assembly constituencies.

Amit Shah seems to have hit the ground running in the very first week of taking over as India’s Home Minister. He has held a slew of review meetings, mostly on internal security and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

Amit Shah seems to have hit the ground running in the very first week of taking over as India’s Home Minister. He has held a slew of review meetings, mostly on internal security and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. In the latest review meeting on Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday - his second in as many days - Shah reportedly discussed redrawing the long pending delimitation of constituencies in the state. However, there has been no confirmation from the Ministry of Home Affairs on whether the delimitation matter was discussed at the meeting today. As of now, four MLAs are elected from the Ladakh region, 46 MLAs come from Kashmir and 37 from the Jammu region. In case delimitation is implemented in J&K, it will lead to an increase in number of seats from the Jammu region, thereby opening the door for a Hindu Chief Minister. Till now, the state has always seen a Muslim chief minister. Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad was the first Muslim chief minister from the Jammu region. Rest of the chief ministers have come from the Kashmir region. Traditionally, the position of deputy chief minister has always been accorded a Hindu from the state no matter which government came in power. Watch: Amit Shah takes charge as India's Home Minister With President’s Rule operational in Jammu and Kashmir, Shah has already had a closed-door meeting with Governor Satyapal Malik. He also met Intelligence Bureau Director Rajiv Jain and Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba. In December 2016, a Cabinet sub-committee on implementation of agenda of the alliance of PDP-BJP had referred the said issue of working out the modalities for delimitation to a high-level of the bureaucratic panel but it could not fructify. At the crux of delimitation is redrawing the scope and size of Assembly constituencies and determine the number of seats to be reserved for Scheduled Castes. This is being planned to correct regional disparity long suffered by the Jammu region, and provide representation to all reserved categories in the State Assembly. As per the 2011 Census, Jammu holds 25.93 per cent of the area with 42.89 per cent of the population whereas the Kashmir valley has 15.73 per cent of the area and 54.93 per cent of the population. The Ladakh region holds 58.33 per cent of the area but only 2.18 per cent of the population. The last time delimitation took place in Kashmir was in 1995 by a commission headed by Justice (retired) KK Gupta. The Constitution of India provides for delimitation to be carried out every 10 years. Going by this logic, the next delimitation would have taken place in 2005 but in 2002 Farooq Abdullah chose to freeze delimitation exercise in the state until 2026 by amending the Jammu and Kashmir Representation Act and Section 47(3) of the state’s constitution. It put the contentious matter in abeyance. This is where the Governor comes in. He is competent to amend Section 47 of the J&K constitution because, during the President’s Rule, the legislative authority is vested in the Governor. During the last delimitation exercise, the state was divided into 87 Assembly constituencies.

Amit Shah holds meetings on Jammu and Kashmir

Watch this segment of India Election Watch for latest updates of India Election as on 16th April 2019.

India Election Watch; 16th April 2019

In this edition of WION's Know Your Candidate, we feature National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah. Know more about her by watching this video.

India Election Watch: Know Your Candidate, who is Farooq Abdullah?

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday said abrogating Article 370 of the Constitution will pave the way for "freedom" for people of Jammu and Kashmir and asked the BJP to try joining the hearts and not breaking them.

Abdullah's remarks come on the day BJP released its manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls in which the party reiterated its commitment to scrap Article 370, which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

The party also resolved to annul Article 35A of the Constitution, which bars people from outside to own property in Jammu and Kashmir.

"They talk of abrogating Article 370. If you do that, the accession will also not stand. I swear by Allah, I think this is the wish of Almighty, we will get freedom from them," Abdullah, who is contesting the Lok Sabha polls from Srinagar constituency, said at an election rally here.

The former chief minister said there would not be anyone to hoist the national flag in Kashmir if Article 370 is abrogated.

"Let them do it, we will see. I will see who is ready to hoist their flag here. So don't do such things that break our hearts. Try joining the hearts, not breaking them," he said.&nbsp;

Launching a scathing attack on the BJP leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Abdullah said, "When you do an election rally do speak a few words of love for Jammu and Kashmir."

"Yes, we are a Muslim majority state and there is no doubt about that. Try as much as you want but you can't change it. You think by removing Article 35A, you will usurp our rights. Will we take this lying down? We will fight it," he added.

The NC president said the special residency laws were brought in by then Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, Hari Singh, in 1927 as a safeguard for Dogras so that their numbers were not diluted by influx of population from other parts of India.

"Do you know what is Article 35A? It gives you (people of state) the right to this place. Nobody from outside can buy land here or apply for jobs. This was kept by Maharaja Hari Singh in 1927 so that the population of Dogras does not fall. It was not as much for us as much for them (Dogras). What do they want? Will they bring people from outside and settle them here to dilute our numbers?" he asked.

NC vice president Omar Abdullah used the BJP manifesto to hit out at Governor Satya Pal Malik.

"Recently J&amp;K Governor claimed there was no threat to Art 370 &amp; 35-A and that parties like mine were only using them to drum up fear in the elections. I hope his colleagues in the BJP send him a copy of their manifesto," he tweeted.&nbsp;

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday said abrogating Article 370 of the Constitution will pave the way for "freedom" for people of Jammu and Kashmir and asked the BJP to try joining the hearts and not breaking them.

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday said abrogating Article 370 of the Constitution will pave the way for "freedom" for people of Jammu and Kashmir and asked the BJP to try joining the hearts and not breaking them. Abdullah's remarks come on the day BJP released its manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls in which the party reiterated its commitment to scrap Article 370, which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The party also resolved to annul Article 35A of the Constitution, which bars people from outside to own property in Jammu and Kashmir. "They talk of abrogating Article 370. If you do that, the accession will also not stand. I swear by Allah, I think this is the wish of Almighty, we will get freedom from them," Abdullah, who is contesting the Lok Sabha polls from Srinagar constituency, said at an election rally here. The former chief minister said there would not be anyone to hoist the national flag in Kashmir if Article 370 is abrogated. "Let them do it, we will see. I will see who is ready to hoist their flag here. So don't do such things that break our hearts. Try joining the hearts, not breaking them," he said. Launching a scathing attack on the BJP leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Abdullah said, "When you do an election rally do speak a few words of love for Jammu and Kashmir." "Yes, we are a Muslim majority state and there is no doubt about that. Try as much as you want but you can't change it. You think by removing Article 35A, you will usurp our rights. Will we take this lying down? We will fight it," he added. The NC president said the special residency laws were brought in by then Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, Hari Singh, in 1927 as a safeguard for Dogras so that their numbers were not diluted by influx of population from other parts of India. "Do you know what is Article 35A? It gives you (people of state) the right to this place. Nobody from outside can buy land here or apply for jobs. This was kept by Maharaja Hari Singh in 1927 so that the population of Dogras does not fall. It was not as much for us as much for them (Dogras). What do they want? Will they bring people from outside and settle them here to dilute our numbers?" he asked. NC vice president Omar Abdullah used the BJP manifesto to hit out at Governor Satya Pal Malik. "Recently J&K Governor claimed there was no threat to Art 370 & 35-A and that parties like mine were only using them to drum up fear in the elections. I hope his colleagues in the BJP send him a copy of their manifesto," he tweeted.

Abrogating Article 370 will pave way for 'freedom' for people of J&K: Farooq Abdullah

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said the opposition will form a pre-poll alliance before the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

"We'll work together at the national level. We'll have a common minimum agenda. We'll have a pre-poll alliance," Mamata said Wednesday night.&nbsp;

Mamata made her statement after meeting with the NCP's Sharad Pawar, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naid, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah, Delhi Chief Minsister Arvind Kejriwal, and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

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West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee after a meeting with Sharad Pawar, Chandrababu Naidu, Farooq Abdullah, Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal: We'll work together at the national level. We'll have a common minimum agenda. We'll have a pre-poll alliance <a href="https://t.co/da9lCV5hIE">pic.twitter.com/da9lCV5hIE</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1095724544361345025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"We had a very constructive meeting. We agreed that the principal target for all of us is to fight against the assault on institutes," Congress President Rahul Gandhi said.&nbsp;

"We agreed to start a conversation about a common minimum programme and we have a comittment that we're all going to work together," Rahul added. &nbsp;

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Congress Pres Rahul Gandhi after a meeting with Sharad Pawar, Chandrababu Naidu, Farooq Abdullah, Mamata Banerjee, Arvind Kejriwal: We had a very constructive meeting. We agreed that principal target for all of us is to fight against assault on institutes being carried out by BJP <a href="https://t.co/XIuWB52LUg">pic.twitter.com/XIuWB52LUg</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1095722817067216896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Mamata had already provided an inkling about&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-will-fight-the-lok-sabha-elections-together-mamata-banerjee-197206">an opposition alliance</a> Wednesday evening at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.&nbsp;

"We will fight together in the coming days," Mamata had said at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.&nbsp;

She added then that her fight against the Congress and the CPM would remain confined to the state — but that at the national level they would fight together.&nbsp;

Mamata had been joined at Jantar Mantar by Naidu and Kejriwal.&nbsp;

"We are in danger, we have to protect this nation, democracy is under threat. If all of us are not united, this is the last election for all of us, tomorrow there won't be any election," Naidu had said on Wednesday evening.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said the opposition will form a pre-poll alliance before the Lok Sabha elections. "We'll work together at the national level.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said the opposition will form a pre-poll alliance before the Lok Sabha elections. "We'll work together at the national level. We'll have a common minimum agenda. We'll have a pre-poll alliance," Mamata said Wednesday night. Mamata made her statement after meeting with the NCP's Sharad Pawar, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naid, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah, Delhi Chief Minsister Arvind Kejriwal, and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee after a meeting with Sharad Pawar, Chandrababu Naidu, Farooq Abdullah, Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal: We'll work together at the national level. We'll have a common minimum agenda. We'll have a pre-poll alliance pic.twitter.com/da9lCV5hIE — ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2019 × "We had a very constructive meeting. We agreed that the principal target for all of us is to fight against the assault on institutes," Congress President Rahul Gandhi said. "We agreed to start a conversation about a common minimum programme and we have a comittment that we're all going to work together," Rahul added. Congress Pres Rahul Gandhi after a meeting with Sharad Pawar, Chandrababu Naidu, Farooq Abdullah, Mamata Banerjee, Arvind Kejriwal: We had a very constructive meeting. We agreed that principal target for all of us is to fight against assault on institutes being carried out by BJP pic.twitter.com/XIuWB52LUg — ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2019 × Mamata had already provided an inkling about an opposition alliance Wednesday evening at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. "We will fight together in the coming days," Mamata had said at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. She added then that her fight against the Congress and the CPM would remain confined to the state — but that at the national level they would fight together. Mamata had been joined at Jantar Mantar by Naidu and Kejriwal. "We are in danger, we have to protect this nation, democracy is under threat. If all of us are not united, this is the last election for all of us, tomorrow there won't be any election," Naidu had said on Wednesday evening.

Lok Sabha elections: Opposition will form pre-poll alliance, says Mamata Banerjee

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee said Wednesday that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-opposition-wins-rahul-gandhi-open-to-mayawati-mamata-as-pm-in-2019-reports-154267">the opposition will fight the upcoming Lok Sabha elections together</a>.&nbsp;

"We will fight together in the coming days," Mamata said at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.&nbsp;

She added that her fight against the Congress and the CPM would remain confined to the state — but that at the national level they would fight together.&nbsp;

"Let them fight against me, I don't mind. For interest of the nation, I'm ready to sacrifice my life/ party," she added.&nbsp;

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Mamata Banerjee: Aane waale din ekhatte hoke humlog ladenge. Hamare saath Congress, CPM ka jo bhi fight rahega state mein rahega. National level mein hum ek saath ladenge. Let them fight against me, I don't mind. For interest of the nation, I'm ready to sacrifice my life/party <a href="https://t.co/Bi3RWcOnXx">pic.twitter.com/Bi3RWcOnXx</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1095661685753270273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Mamata has of course just emerged from <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-sits-on-dharna-after-cbi-kolkata-police-face-off-194890">a massive clash against the Centre</a> after the CBI showed up unannounced at the Kolkata Police chief's home, accusing him of slow-walking the investigations into the Saradha and Rose Valley chit fund scams in Bengal.&nbsp;

Mamata had said the CBI's turning up unannounced at Rajeev Kumar's home was a "destruction of the federal structure", and had a few hours later announced her "Save the Constitution" dharna.&nbsp;

She called off her dharna after a closed-door meeting with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. (A number of opposition leaders had called Mamata after her run-in with the Centre, offering their support.)&nbsp;

"We are in danger, we have to protect this nation, democracy is under threat. If all of us are not united, this is the last election for all of us, tomorrow there won't be any election," Naidu said on Wednesday at Jantar Mantar.&nbsp;

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Andhra Pradesh CM &amp; TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu in Delhi: We are in danger, we have to protect this nation, democracy is under threat. If all of us are not united, this is the last election for all of us, tomorrow there won't be any election. <a href="https://t.co/55hfgefv5p">pic.twitter.com/55hfgefv5p</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1095661894524911616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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ANI meanwhile reported that Mamata, Naidu, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, former Jammu&nbsp;and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah would meet later on Wednesday at NCP chief Sharad Pawar's home.&nbsp;

A notable absentee from Wednesday's meeting will of course be Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee said Wednesday that the opposition will fight the upcoming Lok Sabha elections together. "We will fight together in the coming days," Mamata said at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee said Wednesday that the opposition will fight the upcoming Lok Sabha elections together. "We will fight together in the coming days," Mamata said at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. She added that her fight against the Congress and the CPM would remain confined to the state — but that at the national level they would fight together. "Let them fight against me, I don't mind. For interest of the nation, I'm ready to sacrifice my life/ party," she added. Mamata Banerjee: Aane waale din ekhatte hoke humlog ladenge. Hamare saath Congress, CPM ka jo bhi fight rahega state mein rahega. National level mein hum ek saath ladenge. Let them fight against me, I don't mind. For interest of the nation, I'm ready to sacrifice my life/party pic.twitter.com/Bi3RWcOnXx — ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2019 × Mamata has of course just emerged from a massive clash against the Centre after the CBI showed up unannounced at the Kolkata Police chief's home, accusing him of slow-walking the investigations into the Saradha and Rose Valley chit fund scams in Bengal. Mamata had said the CBI's turning up unannounced at Rajeev Kumar's home was a "destruction of the federal structure", and had a few hours later announced her "Save the Constitution" dharna. She called off her dharna after a closed-door meeting with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. (A number of opposition leaders had called Mamata after her run-in with the Centre, offering their support.) "We are in danger, we have to protect this nation, democracy is under threat. If all of us are not united, this is the last election for all of us, tomorrow there won't be any election," Naidu said on Wednesday at Jantar Mantar. Andhra Pradesh CM & TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu in Delhi: We are in danger, we have to protect this nation, democracy is under threat. If all of us are not united, this is the last election for all of us, tomorrow there won't be any election. pic.twitter.com/55hfgefv5p — ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2019 × ANI meanwhile reported that Mamata, Naidu, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah would meet later on Wednesday at NCP chief Sharad Pawar's home. A notable absentee from Wednesday's meeting will of course be Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.

Opposition will fight the Lok Sabha elections together: Mamata Banerjee

National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah Saturday called the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/it-is-my-request-to-all-please-do-not-make-evms-a-football-says-cec-sunil-arora-191353">EVM the "chor machine"</a> and demanded that the ballot paper system be brought back for the sake of transparency.

Speaking at the united opposition rally organised by TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, he said, "It is not the question of ousting any single person (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) but of saving the country and honouring the sacrifices of those who fought for its freedom."

"The EVM is chor machine. Honestly speaking, it is so. Its use must be put to an end. Nowhere in the world is the machine used. The opposition parties should approach the Election Commission and the President of India to stop the use of the EVM and bring back the old ballot papers for the sake of transparency," he said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-defers-west-bengal-campaign-amit-shah-to-address-rally-on-january-22-191322">He blamed the BJP</a> for the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and said people are being divided on religious lines. "People are being branded as Pakistanis. But all people right from Ladakh to elsewhere want to continue in India.

"I am a Muslim and I love India, my country," he said.

Continuing his tirade against the BJP, he said it stood for the Triple Talaq Bill in Parliament but did not pass the Women's Reservation Bill.

Urging for a united fight by opposition parties in the coming Lok Sabha election, he said the prime minister can be decided after the poll results.

"We have to fight and oust BJP. We have to come together to put up a one-to-one fight against it. We should fight together to strengthen our country," he said and hoped the new government will take the country forward.&nbsp;

Farooq Abdullah blamed the BJP for the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and said people are being divided on religious lines.

National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah Saturday called the EVM the "chor machine" and demanded that the ballot paper system be brought back for the sake of transparency. Speaking at the united opposition rally organised by TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, he said, "It is not the question of ousting any single person (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) but of saving the country and honouring the sacrifices of those who fought for its freedom." "The EVM is chor machine. Honestly speaking, it is so. Its use must be put to an end. Nowhere in the world is the machine used. The opposition parties should approach the Election Commission and the President of India to stop the use of the EVM and bring back the old ballot papers for the sake of transparency," he said. He blamed the BJP for the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and said people are being divided on religious lines. "People are being branded as Pakistanis. But all people right from Ladakh to elsewhere want to continue in India. "I am a Muslim and I love India, my country," he said. Continuing his tirade against the BJP, he said it stood for the Triple Talaq Bill in Parliament but did not pass the Women's Reservation Bill. Urging for a united fight by opposition parties in the coming Lok Sabha election, he said the prime minister can be decided after the poll results. "We have to fight and oust BJP. We have to come together to put up a one-to-one fight against it. We should fight together to strengthen our country," he said and hoped the new government will take the country forward.

EVM is 'chor' machine: Farooq Abdullah at opposition rally in West Bengal

National Conference chief <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sajjad-lones-father-brought-gun-to-valley-farooq-abdullah-181099">Farooq Abdullah</a> Friday said Congress president <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/is-it-going-to-be-rahul-gandhi-vs-narendra-modi-in-2019-185056">Rahul Gandhi</a> is no longer a "Pappu" and has proved his mettle as a leader by winning elections in three Hindi heartland states. 
 
Speaking at an event here, he also questioned the need for the BJP's proposed Rath Yatra in West Bengal and wondered whether the party wants to project itself as a saviour of the Hindus. 
 
"Rahul Gandhi is no longer a Pappu. He has proved his mettle by winning three states," Abdullah said during an interactive session. 
 
Gandhi has often been mocked by the BJP and his opposition as "Pappu", a colloquial sneer. 
 
Abdullah took on the government saying institutions like the RBI are being polluted under the present regime. He alleged that efforts are being made to divide the country on religious lines. 
 
"It is wrong the way they are trying to divide the nation on the basis of religion. The way there has been interference in Muslim religion and its practices is unfortunate," the former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir said.

National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah Friday said Congress president Rahul Gandhi is no longer a "Pappu" and has proved his mettle as a leader by winning elections in three Hindi heartland states.

National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah Friday said Congress president Rahul Gandhi is no longer a "Pappu" and has proved his mettle as a leader by winning elections in three Hindi heartland states. Speaking at an event here, he also questioned the need for the BJP's proposed Rath Yatra in West Bengal and wondered whether the party wants to project itself as a saviour of the Hindus. "Rahul Gandhi is no longer a Pappu. He has proved his mettle by winning three states," Abdullah said during an interactive session. Gandhi has often been mocked by the BJP and his opposition as "Pappu", a colloquial sneer. Abdullah took on the government saying institutions like the RBI are being polluted under the present regime. He alleged that efforts are being made to divide the country on religious lines. "It is wrong the way they are trying to divide the nation on the basis of religion. The way there has been interference in Muslim religion and its practices is unfortunate," the former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir said.

Rahul no longer a 'Pappu' after poll win in three states: Farooq Abdullah

National Conference President Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said that Governor and President's rule must come to an end as he called for an&nbsp;early election&nbsp;in the state.

Speaking to reporters at a function to welcome two former PDP minister into the National Conference, former J&amp;K chief minister said, "I think Governor and President's rule must come to an end. There should be an election soon. People must choose their representatives who can work."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/presidents-rule-imposed-in-jammu-and-kashmir-185375">Jammu and Kashmir came under President's rule</a> on Wednesday following the expiry of governor's rule.&nbsp;

It came into effect in the state after President Ram Nath Kovind in the exercise of the powers conferred by Article 356 of the Constitution signed a proclamation ordering imposition of central rule.

President's rule is imposed when a state government is unable to function according to constitutional provisions, following which the central government can take direct control of the state machinery.

Governor's rule in Jammu and came into effect in June after People's Democratic Party chief <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/had-alliance-with-bjp-knowing-it-will-be-suicidal-mehbooba-mufti-184101">Mehbooba Mufti</a> resigned as the Chief Minister, following <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-pulls-out-of-alliance-with-pdp-in-kashmir-145468">Bharatiya Janata Party's withdrawal from its alliance with the PDP</a>.

Last month, Jammu and Kashmir Governor <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-did-not-act-on-bjps-behest-nobody-gave-me-list-of-mlas-says-jk-governor-satya-pal-malik-after-dissolving-assembly-178721">Satya Pal Malik had dissolved the state Assembly</a> soon after the PDP chief wrote a letter to him staking claim to form the government in the state in alliance with the National Conference(NC) and the Congress party.

People's Conference chairman Sajad Gani Lone, considered to be close to Modi, had also staked a claim with the support of BJP and 18 other unnamed MLAs.&nbsp;

Meanwhile,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/good-luck-to-us-omar-abdullah-day-after-governor-dissolves-kashmir-assembly-178795"> Omar Abdullah</a> also called on prime minister Narendra Modi to ensure the assembly polls were held in Jammu and Kashmir within six months following the dissolution of the house.

"Your government's handling of J&amp;K will be judged by whether assembly elections are on time or not sir," he said, responding to a tweet from Modi lauding the high voter turnout in the state during the panchayat and urban local bodies polls.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Sir, please also commit your government to assembly elections in J&amp;K. Vested interests, including some occupying positions of authority in J&amp;K, are trying to engineer a delay. Your government’s handling of J&amp;K will be judged by whether assembly elections are on time or not sir. <a href="https://t.co/QkBXLrK6De">https://t.co/QkBXLrK6De</a>
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) <a href="https://twitter.com/OmarAbdullah/status/1075400467528777730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from news agencies)

National Conference President Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said that Governor and President's rule must come to an end as he called for an early election in the state.

National Conference President Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said that Governor and President's rule must come to an end as he called for an early election in the state. Speaking to reporters at a function to welcome two former PDP minister into the National Conference, former J&K chief minister said, "I think Governor and President's rule must come to an end. There should be an election soon. People must choose their representatives who can work." Jammu and Kashmir came under President's rule on Wednesday following the expiry of governor's rule. It came into effect in the state after President Ram Nath Kovind in the exercise of the powers conferred by Article 356 of the Constitution signed a proclamation ordering imposition of central rule. President's rule is imposed when a state government is unable to function according to constitutional provisions, following which the central government can take direct control of the state machinery. Governor's rule in Jammu and came into effect in June after People's Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti resigned as the Chief Minister, following Bharatiya Janata Party's withdrawal from its alliance with the PDP. Last month, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik had dissolved the state Assembly soon after the PDP chief wrote a letter to him staking claim to form the government in the state in alliance with the National Conference(NC) and the Congress party. People's Conference chairman Sajad Gani Lone, considered to be close to Modi, had also staked a claim with the support of BJP and 18 other unnamed MLAs. Meanwhile, Omar Abdullah also called on prime minister Narendra Modi to ensure the assembly polls were held in Jammu and Kashmir within six months following the dissolution of the house. "Your government's handling of J&K will be judged by whether assembly elections are on time or not sir," he said, responding to a tweet from Modi lauding the high voter turnout in the state during the panchayat and urban local bodies polls. Sir, please also commit your government to assembly elections in J&K. Vested interests, including some occupying positions of authority in J&K, are trying to engineer a delay. Your government’s handling of J&K will be judged by whether assembly elections are on time or not sir. https://t.co/QkBXLrK6De — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) December 19, 2018 × (With inputs from news agencies)

J&K: Farooq Abdullah calls for early election; says Governor and President's rule must end

National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah has accused the father of People's Conference chief Sajjad Lone, Abdul Ghani Lone, of "bringing gun culture" to the Valley.

Abdullah further revealed that he requested Sajjad's father to drop the idea but it all went in vain."His (Sajjad Lone's) father came to me when (then Jammu and Kashmir Governor) Jagmohan dismissed me (in 1984). He (Abdul Ghani) said 'I am going to Pakistan, I am going to get the gun'," said Farooq Abdullah during a media interaction on Sunday.

"With folded hands, I told him not to get the gun here. I told him our jawans will be killed, our homes, our villages, our cities will be destroyed, don't bring the gun. But he brought the gun. When he came back, he apologised to me saying he did a mistake and (he should) not have brought the gun."

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Farooq Abdullah in Baramulla,J&amp;K: Uske(Sajjad Lone) walid mere pas aaye te jab mujhe dismiss kiya gya tha Jagmohan ne,‘Main Pakistan ja raha hun.Main bandook lane wala hoon.’Maine use kaha,bandook mat laiye.Magar vo laye. Bandook nahi lani chaiye thi. Iska jawab dein vo. (02.12) <a href="https://t.co/bHwcz94VU4">pic.twitter.com/bHwcz94VU4</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1069418713563115521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

While talking about his party's support to the People's Democratic Party (PDP) of Mehbooba Mufti to form the government in the state, the former chief minister said that the support was extended only to save the Article 35A and Article 370 of the Indian Constitution.

"We didn't want to form the government because we wanted to enjoy power, but we wanted to protect all that which the Governor is doing now. We wanted to defend Article 35A. The government would not have sustained for long. It was to be toppled one day and elections had to be held," Abdullah said.

"PDP, NC, and Congress have different paths but we came together. Why? You see the condition in which J&amp;K Bank is today. It would never have been the case had our government been there. We also want to save Article 35A and Article 370," he added.

He stressed that 'autonomy'&nbsp;is the right of Jammu and Kashmir and the state will take its autonomy. He reiterated his stance that Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) is under Pakistan while rest of Jammu and Kashmir is under India.

Article 370 of the Indian Constitution gives autonomous status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir while Article 35A of the Constitution empowers Jammu and Kashmir's legislature to define "permanent residents" of the state and provide special rights and privileges to those permanent residents.&nbsp;

National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah has accused the father of People's Conference chief Sajjad Lone, Abdul Ghani Lone, of "bringing gun culture" to the Valley.

National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah has accused the father of People's Conference chief Sajjad Lone, Abdul Ghani Lone, of "bringing gun culture" to the Valley. Abdullah further revealed that he requested Sajjad's father to drop the idea but it all went in vain."His (Sajjad Lone's) father came to me when (then Jammu and Kashmir Governor) Jagmohan dismissed me (in 1984). He (Abdul Ghani) said 'I am going to Pakistan, I am going to get the gun'," said Farooq Abdullah during a media interaction on Sunday. "With folded hands, I told him not to get the gun here. I told him our jawans will be killed, our homes, our villages, our cities will be destroyed, don't bring the gun. But he brought the gun. When he came back, he apologised to me saying he did a mistake and (he should) not have brought the gun." Farooq Abdullah in Baramulla,J&K: Uske(Sajjad Lone) walid mere pas aaye te jab mujhe dismiss kiya gya tha Jagmohan ne,‘Main Pakistan ja raha hun.Main bandook lane wala hoon.’Maine use kaha,bandook mat laiye.Magar vo laye. Bandook nahi lani chaiye thi. Iska jawab dein vo. (02.12) pic.twitter.com/bHwcz94VU4 — ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2018 × While talking about his party's support to the People's Democratic Party (PDP) of Mehbooba Mufti to form the government in the state, the former chief minister said that the support was extended only to save the Article 35A and Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. "We didn't want to form the government because we wanted to enjoy power, but we wanted to protect all that which the Governor is doing now. We wanted to defend Article 35A. The government would not have sustained for long. It was to be toppled one day and elections had to be held," Abdullah said. "PDP, NC, and Congress have different paths but we came together. Why? You see the condition in which J&K Bank is today. It would never have been the case had our government been there. We also want to save Article 35A and Article 370," he added. He stressed that 'autonomy' is the right of Jammu and Kashmir and the state will take its autonomy. He reiterated his stance that Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) is under Pakistan while rest of Jammu and Kashmir is under India. Article 370 of the Indian Constitution gives autonomous status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir while Article 35A of the Constitution empowers Jammu and Kashmir's legislature to define "permanent residents" of the state and provide special rights and privileges to those permanent residents.

Sajjad Lone's father 'brought gun' to Valley: Farooq Abdullah

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and chairman of National Conference Farooq Abdullah on Sunday said the day friendly relations begin between India and Pakistan, Kashmir issue will be resolved on its own.

''I believe friendship between the two nations is most important for Jammu and Kashmir. My party stands for paths which lead to Indo-Pak friendship,'' he added.&nbsp;

Talking to the media in Jammu and Kashmir`s Baramulla district, he said: "The National Conference (NC) has always supported friendly relations between India and Pakistan.&nbsp;

''Ultimately people have to decide what's to be done,'' he said and added they were never hungry for power.

PDP, NC and Congress have different paths but came together, he said.

He also lamented that condition J&amp;K bank and said it would never have been the case had ''our government been there''.&nbsp;

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and chairman of National Conference Farooq Abdullah on Sunday said the day friendly relations begin between India and Pakistan, Kashmir issue will be resolved on its own.

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and chairman of National Conference Farooq Abdullah on Sunday said the day friendly relations begin between India and Pakistan, Kashmir issue will be resolved on its own. ''I believe friendship between the two nations is most important for Jammu and Kashmir. My party stands for paths which lead to Indo-Pak friendship,'' he added. Talking to the media in Jammu and Kashmir`s Baramulla district, he said: "The National Conference (NC) has always supported friendly relations between India and Pakistan. ''Ultimately people have to decide what's to be done,'' he said and added they were never hungry for power. PDP, NC and Congress have different paths but came together, he said. He also lamented that condition J&K bank and said it would never have been the case had ''our government been there''.

Friendly relations between India and Pakistan will help resolve Kashmir issue: Farooq Abdullah

The BJP Friday accused the Congress and other opposition parties of misleading farmers on the issue of agrarian distress, asserting that people no longer support those who have had their "eyes shut for 70 years" on the problem and have now decided to side with Narendra Modi.

The BJP's reaction came after thousands of farmers, backed by Left parties and organisations, marched through the streets of Delhi for debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce.

<a href="Delhi: Rahul, Kejriwal join farmers' protest at Jantar Mantar">Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal</a>, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury, CPI leader S Sudhakar Reddy and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah were among the political leaders who joined the farmers at Jantar Mantar.

Hitting out at opposition parties, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra asked why their leaders did not take measures to reduce the problem of farmers in the past 70 years when they governed India.

On Kejriwal and Gandhi sharing a stage during the rally at Jantar Mantar, Patra said it was like "drama and confusion together on the dais".

"Remember, if drama and confusion are together, there is only destruction and devastation for democracy. The country rejects drama, corruption and confusion and has done so in 2014. Their coming together through photo-ops will not help, as the country has left their hands and has held the hands of Narendra Modi and BJP," he said.

He said the opposition parties have been exposed before the people for indulging in corruption and "politics of deception".

"They are today talking about farmers. They need to answer why the Congress was sitting with eyes shut for 70 years. Why the Congress did not worry about farmers all this time," he told reporters.

He said it was "unfortunate" that leaders of the Congress and other opposition parties were lowering the level of political discourse in the country. His comments came after following reports that CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury used inappropriate words to describe Prime Minister Modi.

"This shows the frustration of Congress and others. It shows their frustration," Patra said. 
Training his guns on Gandhi, Patra alleged that the Congress chief has one tape-recorder and only has one script. "He does not even prepare his speeches," Patra said.

"He does politics of falsehood and deception... All these parties were in power for so many years, but they did not implement the Swaminathan Committee report, because they were deep in corruption" he alleged.

The final volume of the Swaminathan Committee report on agrarian distress and recommendations was tabled in Parliament in 2016 and is yet to be discussed in the House.

Patra claimed farm loan has been waived twice so far in Rajasthan's history and on both occasions it has been done under BJP rule.

The Congress-ruled Rajasthan for nearly 50 years but did not waived farm loans and now they are doing politics here, Patra alleged.

"You have seen how Mr Rahul Gandhi have misled farmers and people of this country. You have seen how Mr Robert Vadra's (Gandhi's brother-in-law) company took loans which were unaccounted, not secured and not paid in the name of farmers and how they were misused for commercial purposes.

"You have seen how this was totally a commercial venture in the name of farming. This is Rahul Gandhi's way and Prime Minister Modi has rightly said that he does not know anything about farming," Patra alleged.

The BJP leader was referring to a newspaper report published Friday. The report said a firm got a big tax relief after it gave loan to a company that bought land owned by Skylight Hospitality, which is allegedly linked to Vadra.

"He (Gandhi) added to country's NPAs by giving loans through banks to such people, from whom they have benefitted themselves. Rahul Gandhi and Congress party indulged in commercial ventures and corruption ventures from which the country lost," he alleged.

The BJP Friday accused the Congress and other opposition parties of misleading farmers on the issue of agrarian distress, asserting that people no longer support those who have had their "eyes shut for 70 years" on the problem and have now decided to side with Narendra Modi.

The BJP Friday accused the Congress and other opposition parties of misleading farmers on the issue of agrarian distress, asserting that people no longer support those who have had their "eyes shut for 70 years" on the problem and have now decided to side with Narendra Modi. The BJP's reaction came after thousands of farmers, backed by Left parties and organisations, marched through the streets of Delhi for debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce. Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury, CPI leader S Sudhakar Reddy and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah were among the political leaders who joined the farmers at Jantar Mantar. Hitting out at opposition parties, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra asked why their leaders did not take measures to reduce the problem of farmers in the past 70 years when they governed India. On Kejriwal and Gandhi sharing a stage during the rally at Jantar Mantar, Patra said it was like "drama and confusion together on the dais". "Remember, if drama and confusion are together, there is only destruction and devastation for democracy. The country rejects drama, corruption and confusion and has done so in 2014. Their coming together through photo-ops will not help, as the country has left their hands and has held the hands of Narendra Modi and BJP," he said. He said the opposition parties have been exposed before the people for indulging in corruption and "politics of deception". "They are today talking about farmers. They need to answer why the Congress was sitting with eyes shut for 70 years. Why the Congress did not worry about farmers all this time," he told reporters. He said it was "unfortunate" that leaders of the Congress and other opposition parties were lowering the level of political discourse in the country. His comments came after following reports that CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury used inappropriate words to describe Prime Minister Modi. "This shows the frustration of Congress and others. It shows their frustration," Patra said. Training his guns on Gandhi, Patra alleged that the Congress chief has one tape-recorder and only has one script. "He does not even prepare his speeches," Patra said. "He does politics of falsehood and deception... All these parties were in power for so many years, but they did not implement the Swaminathan Committee report, because they were deep in corruption" he alleged. The final volume of the Swaminathan Committee report on agrarian distress and recommendations was tabled in Parliament in 2016 and is yet to be discussed in the House. Patra claimed farm loan has been waived twice so far in Rajasthan's history and on both occasions it has been done under BJP rule. The Congress-ruled Rajasthan for nearly 50 years but did not waived farm loans and now they are doing politics here, Patra alleged. "You have seen how Mr Rahul Gandhi have misled farmers and people of this country. You have seen how Mr Robert Vadra's (Gandhi's brother-in-law) company took loans which were unaccounted, not secured and not paid in the name of farmers and how they were misused for commercial purposes. "You have seen how this was totally a commercial venture in the name of farming. This is Rahul Gandhi's way and Prime Minister Modi has rightly said that he does not know anything about farming," Patra alleged. The BJP leader was referring to a newspaper report published Friday. The report said a firm got a big tax relief after it gave loan to a company that bought land owned by Skylight Hospitality, which is allegedly linked to Vadra. "He (Gandhi) added to country's NPAs by giving loans through banks to such people, from whom they have benefitted themselves. Rahul Gandhi and Congress party indulged in commercial ventures and corruption ventures from which the country lost," he alleged.

People don't trust Congress, other Opposition parties on agrarian distress issue: BJP

Opposition leaders including Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and National Conference Chairman Farooq Abdullah participated in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/farmers-march-to-parliament-throws-traffic-in-tizzy-in-central-lutyens-delhi-180383">massive&nbsp;farmers protest</a> in Delhi on Friday.&nbsp;

Addressing the gathering of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-march-towards-parliament-from-ramlila-maidan-3500-cops-deployed-180376">protesting farmers at Jantar Mantar</a>, Rahul Gandhi called for a farm loan waiver as he assured support of all opposition leaders.

Rahul Gandhi said that the farmers were not seeking a "free gift" from the government by asking for a farm loan waiver. They were only asking for what's due to them.

"If this government can waive Rs 3.5 lakh crore loans of 15 big industrialists, why can't the loans of crores of farmers in the country be waived?" he asked.&nbsp;

He also said that no one will be able to silence the voice of farmers and youth.

"If the Indian government insults them, then they will ensure its removal, " Gandhi added.

Arvind Kejriwal, also participating in the protest, warned prime minister Narendra Modi saying, "Five months are left, I demand that the Central Government implement Swaminathan panel report soon, otherwise farmers will wreak havoc in 2019," news agency PTI reported.

Kejriwal further tageted Modi saying that prime minister has "stabbed" farmers in the back by not keeping promises made to them.

Around 35,000 farmers from across the country converged in the national capital Friday to press for their demands, including debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce.&nbsp;

Farmers have come to the capital from different parts of the country, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.

The protest is called by&nbsp;&nbsp;All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee, which claims to be an umbrella body of 207 organisations of farmers and agricultural workers, many farmers arrived in the city on trains, buses and other modes of transport.

Many political leaders, including Trinamool Congress' Dinesh Trivedi, Loktantrik Janata Dal's Sharad Yadav have extended their support to protesting farmers.

The Friday's rally is the fourth major farmers' rally being held by the AIKSCC.

The AIKSCC has claimed that the two-day rally will be one of the largest congregations of farmers in Delhi.

Opposition leaders including Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and National Conference Chairman Farooq Abdullah participated in massive farmers protest in Delhi on Friday.

Opposition leaders including Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and National Conference Chairman Farooq Abdullah participated in massive farmers protest in Delhi on Friday. Addressing the gathering of protesting farmers at Jantar Mantar, Rahul Gandhi called for a farm loan waiver as he assured support of all opposition leaders. Rahul Gandhi said that the farmers were not seeking a "free gift" from the government by asking for a farm loan waiver. They were only asking for what's due to them. "If this government can waive Rs 3.5 lakh crore loans of 15 big industrialists, why can't the loans of crores of farmers in the country be waived?" he asked. He also said that no one will be able to silence the voice of farmers and youth. "If the Indian government insults them, then they will ensure its removal, " Gandhi added. Arvind Kejriwal, also participating in the protest, warned prime minister Narendra Modi saying, "Five months are left, I demand that the Central Government implement Swaminathan panel report soon, otherwise farmers will wreak havoc in 2019," news agency PTI reported. Kejriwal further tageted Modi saying that prime minister has "stabbed" farmers in the back by not keeping promises made to them. Around 35,000 farmers from across the country converged in the national capital Friday to press for their demands, including debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce. Farmers have come to the capital from different parts of the country, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. The protest is called by All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee, which claims to be an umbrella body of 207 organisations of farmers and agricultural workers, many farmers arrived in the city on trains, buses and other modes of transport. Many political leaders, including Trinamool Congress' Dinesh Trivedi, Loktantrik Janata Dal's Sharad Yadav have extended their support to protesting farmers. The Friday's rally is the fourth major farmers' rally being held by the AIKSCC. The AIKSCC has claimed that the two-day rally will be one of the largest congregations of farmers in Delhi.

Delhi: Rahul, Kejriwal join farmers' protest at Jantar Mantar

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday tore into state Governor Satya Pal Malik after the latter dissolved the Assembly soon after Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti staked claim to form the government in the state with the support of National Conference (NC) and Congress.&nbsp;

''I had a lot of hopes from this Governor, but this is very sad. He has turned out to be another slave to the Centre,'' Abdullah said.&nbsp;

The post of Governor needs to be looked into, he said and added why did he wait 5 months to dissolve assembly?

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Hitting back at the BJP which called the alliance between PDP, Congress and NC a coming together of “terror-friendly parties, Abdullah said when PDP was in alliance with BJP then it was not 'terror-friendly?' It has become 'terror-friendly' when it talked of alliance with NC and Congress? Abdullah asked.

Governor Satya Pal Malik dissolved the assembly on Wednesday evening after Mehbooba Mufti staked claim to form the government along with her arch-rival Omar Abdullah's National Conference (NC) and the Congress. They claimed the support of 56 lawmakers in the 87-member state assembly.&nbsp;

Shortly after, People's Conference leader Sajad Lone also staked claims to form the government. Lone, who has two lawmakers, said he had the support of the BJP's 25 legislators and "more than 18" others.&nbsp;

Congress leader Saifuddin Soz on Wednesday urged Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti to move court. He&nbsp;described Governor's decision to dissolve the assembly ''unconstitutional''.&nbsp;

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday tore into state Governor Satya Pal Malik after the latter dissolved the Assembly soon after Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti staked claim to form the government in the state with the support of National Conference (NC) and Congress.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday tore into state Governor Satya Pal Malik after the latter dissolved the Assembly soon after Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti staked claim to form the government in the state with the support of National Conference (NC) and Congress. ''I had a lot of hopes from this Governor, but this is very sad. He has turned out to be another slave to the Centre,'' Abdullah said. The post of Governor needs to be looked into, he said and added why did he wait 5 months to dissolve assembly? I had a lot of hopes from this Governor, but this is very sad. He has turned out to be another slave of the Centre. The post of Governor needs to be looked into. Why did he wait 5 months to dissolve assembly?: Farooq Abdullah pic.twitter.com/zKovZCD6pw — ANI (@ANI) November 22, 2018 × Hitting back at the BJP which called the alliance between PDP, Congress and NC a coming together of “terror-friendly parties, Abdullah said when PDP was in alliance with BJP then it was not 'terror-friendly?' It has become 'terror-friendly' when it talked of alliance with NC and Congress? Abdullah asked. Governor Satya Pal Malik dissolved the assembly on Wednesday evening after Mehbooba Mufti staked claim to form the government along with her arch-rival Omar Abdullah's National Conference (NC) and the Congress. They claimed the support of 56 lawmakers in the 87-member state assembly. Shortly after, People's Conference leader Sajad Lone also staked claims to form the government. Lone, who has two lawmakers, said he had the support of the BJP's 25 legislators and "more than 18" others. Congress leader Saifuddin Soz on Wednesday urged Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti to move court. He described Governor's decision to dissolve the assembly ''unconstitutional''.

Jammu and Kashmir governor is a 'slave' to Centre: Farooq Abdullah

National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah Wednesday urged India and Pakistan to start a sustained dialogue process and advocated an Ireland-type settlement model to resolve the Kashmir issue.

"Abdullah impressed on the governments of India and Pakistan to start a sustained dialogue process and advocated an Ireland-type settlement model to resolve the procrastinated Jammu and Kashmir issue," an NC spokesman said.

He added that the NC chief said this while addressing a public gathering at Uri in north Kashmir's Baramulla district.

Abdullah urged the Centre to restore autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest.

"Autonomy is the only way ahead to address the political and developmental deficit of all the regions of Jammu and Kashmir. It will secure the secular character of our state and strengthen the bonds of amity and brotherhood," he said.

The Member of Parliament from Srinagar also said a day would come when the people of the state would breathe in a peaceful atmosphere, without any insecurity.

"We should not feel disheartened. The current situation is grave, but we have witnessed even worst throughout the history. At one time in our history, people would not buy the idea that the autocratic rule will end. But a day came when democratic forces usurped the kings's throne with determination and struggle," he added.

Abdullah asked the people to keep the faith and follow the path shown by the prophet of Islam.

"In this hour of grief and uncertainty, we should not let anxiety and hopelessness overpower us. We should follow the teaching of the prophet of Islam in our day-to-day lives. Hopelessness is a curse," he said.

The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said the NC had to face many challenges since its inception and that scores of party functionaries were "preyed upon by the monster of conflict".

"Our party was back-stabbed by many political shenanigans and turncoats, but history bears testimony to how they eventually faded on their own. The NC is a people's party, we owe our being to people and we are a grassroot-level party," he added.

Abdullah said the state's special status was "infringed upon by the machinations of national political parties, including the Congress and the BJP, and their attitude has not changed".

"The current situation is no different. People should remain watchful of crafty politicians who are products of these machinations. Self-respect and dignity of our state should not be bartered for a few pennies," he added.

National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah Wednesday urged India and Pakistan to start a sustained dialogue process and advocated an Ireland-type settlement model to resolve the Kashmir issue.

National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah Wednesday urged India and Pakistan to start a sustained dialogue process and advocated an Ireland-type settlement model to resolve the Kashmir issue. "Abdullah impressed on the governments of India and Pakistan to start a sustained dialogue process and advocated an Ireland-type settlement model to resolve the procrastinated Jammu and Kashmir issue," an NC spokesman said. He added that the NC chief said this while addressing a public gathering at Uri in north Kashmir's Baramulla district. Abdullah urged the Centre to restore autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest. "Autonomy is the only way ahead to address the political and developmental deficit of all the regions of Jammu and Kashmir. It will secure the secular character of our state and strengthen the bonds of amity and brotherhood," he said. The Member of Parliament from Srinagar also said a day would come when the people of the state would breathe in a peaceful atmosphere, without any insecurity. "We should not feel disheartened. The current situation is grave, but we have witnessed even worst throughout the history. At one time in our history, people would not buy the idea that the autocratic rule will end. But a day came when democratic forces usurped the kings's throne with determination and struggle," he added. Abdullah asked the people to keep the faith and follow the path shown by the prophet of Islam. "In this hour of grief and uncertainty, we should not let anxiety and hopelessness overpower us. We should follow the teaching of the prophet of Islam in our day-to-day lives. Hopelessness is a curse," he said. The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said the NC had to face many challenges since its inception and that scores of party functionaries were "preyed upon by the monster of conflict". "Our party was back-stabbed by many political shenanigans and turncoats, but history bears testimony to how they eventually faded on their own. The NC is a people's party, we owe our being to people and we are a grassroot-level party," he added. Abdullah said the state's special status was "infringed upon by the machinations of national political parties, including the Congress and the BJP, and their attitude has not changed". "The current situation is no different. People should remain watchful of crafty politicians who are products of these machinations. Self-respect and dignity of our state should not be bartered for a few pennies," he added.

Farooq Abdullah urges India, Pak to start sustained dialogue to resolve Kashmir issue

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah today sought that the Line of Control (LoC) should be converted into a 'Line of Peace' while India and Pakistan should initiate the dialogue process with an active involvement of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to usher harmony and tranquillity in the state.

He cautioned the Centre against taking the people of J&K "for granted and ignoring" their legitimate aspirations. He said the claims that demonetization had curbed stone pelting had fallen flat and expressed concern that "youth were now taking to guns".

India and Pakistan should resume the dialogue process and engage people of Jammu and Kashmir in an acceptable solution, Abdullah said addressing party workers at Balakote in Poonch district. Sagacity lies in acknowledging realities and shedding the baggage of the past, he said.

Referring to the Indo-Pak hostilities in 1990s, he said former prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee had invited the then Pakistan president Parvez Musharraf despite the Kargil incursion and his political wisdom worked in terms of a cease-fire agreement which brought cheer to the lives of border people.

"Why can't Vajpayee's spirit be emulated by his political inheritors," he said warning that extreme positions could lead to devastation and destruction in the entire region.

Reiterating his party's demand for greater autonomy to the state, the former chief minister said internal autonomy within the framework of Indian Constitution and conversion of Line of Control (LoC) into Line of Peace was the pragmatic way forward.

"The people of the state decided their future in 1947 by acceding to Mahatma Gandhi's secular India and they will fight all machinations of reversing these well-established credentials by polarising forces. "India is not religion specific but a country of all, irrespective of religion, region and caste. This legacy cannot be trampled on by fringe elements, currently holding the centre-stage in Indian politics, as a majority of Hindus disapprove politics of polarisation and division,"&nbsp;he said.

Without naming BJP, he said the current spell of governance in New Delhi had created chaos all over, with people feeling their identities threatened and thus taking to streets.

Abdullah expressed concern over the "dicey political situation" saying he would keep his fingers crossed about things to happen in case the present arrangement is repeated in New Delhi in 2019.

"India cannot flourish with a myopic political vision. It has been a forward-looking country, which has to move forward as a strong, stable and a united nation," he added.

Abdullah cautioned people against the divisive politics, saying attempts were being made to create a&nbsp;wedge in the society on the basis of region and religion. "All this is being done with a sinister motive of fragmenting Jammu and Kashmir into three different regions", he said and warned those nurturing this "nightmarish dream".

National Conference would fight these designs tooth and nail, he said.

Earlier, at a public meeting at Mandi in Poonch district, Abdullah cautioned the Centre against taking the people of Jammu and Kashmir for granted.

"The claims that demonetization had put an end to stone pelting in Jammu and Kashmir have fallen flat as the youth were now taking to guns. The situation, therefore, cannot be allowed to drift anymore,"&nbsp;he said.

The former chief minister called for earnest initiatives to reach out to the people and urged the Centre to resolve the issues which are essentially political in nature and try to win over the alienated hearts and minds by shunning the policy of "creating divisions".

The MP reiterated the need for Indo-Pak dialogue and said Line of Control (LoC) should be converted into 'Line of Peace and Goodwill' to enable unhindered people to people exchange and trade.

Abdullah said the conversion of LoC into Line of Peace would benefit peoples living along the borders on both sides, who have been braving the brunt of hostilities.

He referred to the violence over the alleged "dilution" of SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and said machinations are being engineered to end reservation.

"The present dispensation at the Centre is working against the interests of farmers, weaker sections, and minorities," he alleged.

The NC president also blamed the PDP-BJP dispensation in Jammu and Kashmir for "failing" to deliver.

"The lack of accountability and mis-governance have added to the miseries of the people, who are feeling let down on every front,"&nbsp;he claimed.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

India and Pakistan should resume the dialogue process and engage people of Jammu and Kashmir in an acceptable solution, Abdullah said

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah today sought that the Line of Control (LoC) should be converted into a 'Line of Peace' while India and Pakistan should initiate the dialogue process with an active involvement of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to usher harmony and tranquillity in the state. He cautioned the Centre against taking the people of J&K "for granted and ignoring" their legitimate aspirations. He said the claims that demonetization had curbed stone pelting had fallen flat and expressed concern that "youth were now taking to guns". India and Pakistan should resume the dialogue process and engage people of Jammu and Kashmir in an acceptable solution, Abdullah said addressing party workers at Balakote in Poonch district. Sagacity lies in acknowledging realities and shedding the baggage of the past, he said. Referring to the Indo-Pak hostilities in 1990s, he said former prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee had invited the then Pakistan president Parvez Musharraf despite the Kargil incursion and his political wisdom worked in terms of a cease-fire agreement which brought cheer to the lives of border people. "Why can't Vajpayee's spirit be emulated by his political inheritors," he said warning that extreme positions could lead to devastation and destruction in the entire region. Reiterating his party's demand for greater autonomy to the state, the former chief minister said internal autonomy within the framework of Indian Constitution and conversion of Line of Control (LoC) into Line of Peace was the pragmatic way forward. "The people of the state decided their future in 1947 by acceding to Mahatma Gandhi's secular India and they will fight all machinations of reversing these well-established credentials by polarising forces. "India is not religion specific but a country of all, irrespective of religion, region and caste. This legacy cannot be trampled on by fringe elements, currently holding the centre-stage in Indian politics, as a majority of Hindus disapprove politics of polarisation and division," he said. Without naming BJP, he said the current spell of governance in New Delhi had created chaos all over, with people feeling their identities threatened and thus taking to streets. Abdullah expressed concern over the "dicey political situation" saying he would keep his fingers crossed about things to happen in case the present arrangement is repeated in New Delhi in 2019. "India cannot flourish with a myopic political vision. It has been a forward-looking country, which has to move forward as a strong, stable and a united nation," he added. Abdullah cautioned people against the divisive politics, saying attempts were being made to create a wedge in the society on the basis of region and religion. "All this is being done with a sinister motive of fragmenting Jammu and Kashmir into three different regions", he said and warned those nurturing this "nightmarish dream". National Conference would fight these designs tooth and nail, he said. Earlier, at a public meeting at Mandi in Poonch district, Abdullah cautioned the Centre against taking the people of Jammu and Kashmir for granted. "The claims that demonetization had put an end to stone pelting in Jammu and Kashmir have fallen flat as the youth were now taking to guns. The situation, therefore, cannot be allowed to drift anymore," he said. The former chief minister called for earnest initiatives to reach out to the people and urged the Centre to resolve the issues which are essentially political in nature and try to win over the alienated hearts and minds by shunning the policy of "creating divisions". The MP reiterated the need for Indo-Pak dialogue and said Line of Control (LoC) should be converted into 'Line of Peace and Goodwill' to enable unhindered people to people exchange and trade. Abdullah said the conversion of LoC into Line of Peace would benefit peoples living along the borders on both sides, who have been braving the brunt of hostilities. He referred to the violence over the alleged "dilution" of SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and said machinations are being engineered to end reservation. "The present dispensation at the Centre is working against the interests of farmers, weaker sections, and minorities," he alleged. The NC president also blamed the PDP-BJP dispensation in Jammu and Kashmir for "failing" to deliver. "The lack of accountability and mis-governance have added to the miseries of the people, who are feeling let down on every front," he claimed.

India's legacy cannot be trampled on by fringe elements: Farooq Abdullah

Inciting yet another controversy, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah has said that Muhammad Ali Jinnah did not want a separate country for Muslims.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/watch-never-mind-raising-tricolour-in-pok-first-raise-it-in-srinagar-says-farooq-abdullah-6982" target="_blank">Watch: Never mind raising </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/watch-never-mind-raising-tricolour-in-pok-first-raise-it-in-srinagar-says-farooq-abdullah-6982" target="_blank">tricolour</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/watch-never-mind-raising-tricolour-in-pok-first-raise-it-in-srinagar-says-farooq-abdullah-6982" target="_blank"> in PoK, first raise it in Srinagar, says Farooq Abdullah</a>

He said that the need for a separate country emerged after Indian leaders refused to accept minority status for Muslims and Sikh in the country.&nbsp;

Abdullah&nbsp;said it was because of the refusal of political leaders Jawaharlal&nbsp; Nehru, Maulana Azad and Sardar Patel that Jinnah demanded Pakistan.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/farooq-trying-to-push-country-into-communalism-bjp-24564" target="_blank">Farooq trying to push </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/farooq-trying-to-push-country-into-communalism-bjp-24564" target="_blank">country</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/farooq-trying-to-push-country-into-communalism-bjp-24564" target="_blank"> into communalism: BJP</a>

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-enemy-is-not-across-border-but-among-ourselves-national-conference-chief-farooq-abdullah-29509" target="_blank">&#39;Our enemy is not across </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-enemy-is-not-across-border-but-among-ourselves-national-conference-chief-farooq-abdullah-29509" target="_blank">border</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-enemy-is-not-across-border-but-among-ourselves-national-conference-chief-farooq-abdullah-29509" target="_blank"> but among ourselves,&#39; says Farooq Abdullah&nbsp;</a>

He said &quot;Jinnah agreed but Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Azad, and Sardar Patel did not agree. When this did not happen it was then that Jinnah demanded for Pakistan. Or else there would have been no separation. There would have been no Bangladesh, no Pakistan; there would have been one India,&quot;.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/you-have-made-one-pakistan-how-many-pakistans-will-you-make-how-many-pieces-will-you-cut-india-into-says-farooq-andullah-24514" target="_blank">&#39;How many Pakistans will you make&#39;, reiterates Farooq Abdullah</a>

(With inputs from ANI)

Abdullah said that the need for a separate country emerged after Indian leaders refused to accept minority status for Muslims and Sikh in the country

Inciting yet another controversy, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah has said that Muhammad Ali Jinnah did not want a separate country for Muslims. Watch: Never mind raising tricolour in PoK, first raise it in Srinagar, says Farooq Abdullah He said that the need for a separate country emerged after Indian leaders refused to accept minority status for Muslims and Sikh in the country. Abdullah said it was because of the refusal of political leaders Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Azad and Sardar Patel that Jinnah demanded Pakistan. Also read: Farooq trying to push country into communalism: BJP Also read: 'Our enemy is not across border but among ourselves,' says Farooq Abdullah He said "Jinnah agreed but Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Azad, and Sardar Patel did not agree. When this did not happen it was then that Jinnah demanded for Pakistan. Or else there would have been no separation. There would have been no Bangladesh, no Pakistan; there would have been one India,". Also read: 'How many Pakistans will you make', reiterates Farooq Abdullah (With inputs from ANI)

Jinnah never wanted separate country: Farooq Abdullah

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah today said that the exchange of firing and shelling between India and Pakistan will continue unless the two nations start thinking of peace.

Abdullah spoke on the issue of the ongoing ceasefire violations and heavy shelling by Pakistani troops along the LoC.

&quot;If they (both the nations) don&#39;t think of peace, the firing will not stop, neither from our side nor from their side,&quot; the National Conference chief told reporters at a function.&nbsp;

The National Conference chief, last month, lauded J&amp;K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti after she asked the governments of India and Pakistan to resume talks and resolve their mutual issues.&nbsp;

&quot;I would like to congratulate Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti Ji for realising that until we have talks with Pakistan, militancy will not end. I feel Modi Ji has the courage to initiate this and take it to a logical end,&quot; Abdullah noted.

Mufti recently noted that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/guns-cannot-solve-any-problems-only-talks-can-jk-cm-mehbooba-mufti-33268">dialogue can solve problems</a> and not &quot;guns&quot;.

&quot;Conditions at the border are not good, both the countries should talk and there should be a ceasefire. Peace should be given an opportunity,&quot; Mufti noted at Kulgam, J&amp;K earlier this month.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The National Conference chief, last month, lauded J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti after she asked the governments of India and Pakistan to resume talks and resolve their mutual issues

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah today said that the exchange of firing and shelling between India and Pakistan will continue unless the two nations start thinking of peace. Abdullah spoke on the issue of the ongoing ceasefire violations and heavy shelling by Pakistani troops along the LoC. "If they (both the nations) don't think of peace, the firing will not stop, neither from our side nor from their side," the National Conference chief told reporters at a function. The National Conference chief, last month, lauded J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti after she asked the governments of India and Pakistan to resume talks and resolve their mutual issues. "I would like to congratulate Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti Ji for realising that until we have talks with Pakistan, militancy will not end. I feel Modi Ji has the courage to initiate this and take it to a logical end," Abdullah noted. Mufti recently noted that dialogue can solve problems and not "guns". "Conditions at the border are not good, both the countries should talk and there should be a ceasefire. Peace should be given an opportunity," Mufti noted at Kulgam, J&K earlier this month. (With inputs from agencies)

Indo-Pak shelling will stop only when two nations think of peace: Farooq Abdullah

Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Farooq Abdullah, noted that &quot;further division of this nation&quot; will only cause more destruction.&nbsp;

He also said that the real enemy is &quot;not across the border but among ourselves.&quot;&nbsp;

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Any further division of this nation will cause only destruction. Our enemy is not across the border but among ourselves. Unless we fight this enemy, there is no solution: Farooq Abdullah in Jammu <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/ohIfKsTZpA">pic.twitter.com/ohIfKsTZpA</a>
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Abdullah also alluded to the&nbsp;meeting between the National Security Advisers of the two nations that took place in Bangkok on December 26 2017.

He shared that the only way to counter terrorism is through dialogue, &quot;it is necessary to meet and talk about it,&quot; ANI quoted Abdullah.

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National Security Advsiers of India &amp; Pakistan met in Bangkok. If there is terrorism it is necessary to meet and talk about it: Farooq Abdullah in Jammu <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/e0NMP59ATk">pic.twitter.com/e0NMP59ATk</a>
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Abdullah recently expressed his views on the &quot;deteriorating&quot; security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

The National Conference chief, on Tuesday, lauded J&amp;K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti after she asked the governments of India and Pakistan to resume talks and resolve their mutual issues.&nbsp;

&quot;I would like to congratulate Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti Ji for realising that until we have talks with Pakistan, militancy will not end. I feel Modi Ji has the courage to initiate this and take it to a logical end,&quot; he said.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Farooq Abdullah noted that 'further division of nation' will only cause more destruction

Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Farooq Abdullah, noted that "further division of this nation" will only cause more destruction. He also said that the real enemy is "not across the border but among ourselves." Any further division of this nation will cause only destruction. Our enemy is not across the border but among ourselves. Unless we fight this enemy, there is no solution: Farooq Abdullah in Jammu #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/ohIfKsTZpA — ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2018 × Abdullah also alluded to the meeting between the National Security Advisers of the two nations that took place in Bangkok on December 26 2017. He shared that the only way to counter terrorism is through dialogue, "it is necessary to meet and talk about it," ANI quoted Abdullah. National Security Advsiers of India & Pakistan met in Bangkok. If there is terrorism it is necessary to meet and talk about it: Farooq Abdullah in Jammu #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/e0NMP59ATk — ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2018 × Abdullah recently expressed his views on the "deteriorating" security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The National Conference chief, on Tuesday, lauded J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti after she asked the governments of India and Pakistan to resume talks and resolve their mutual issues. "I would like to congratulate Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti Ji for realising that until we have talks with Pakistan, militancy will not end. I feel Modi Ji has the courage to initiate this and take it to a logical end," he said. (With inputs from ANI)

'Our enemy is not across border but among ourselves,' says Farooq Abdullah 

Taking a dig at Mani Shankar Aiyar without naming him, Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday said &#39;&#39;if some people wouldn&#39;t have said certain wrong things Congress would have won in Gujarat.&#39;&#39; &nbsp;

&#39;&#39;Not taking names but if some people wouldn&#39;t have said certain wrong things Congress would have won in Gujarat, they managed a good show there,&#39;&#39; said former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah.&nbsp;

On Himachal Pradesh, he said that one party unseats the other every five year which is not new.

&#39;&#39;In Himachal Pradesh one party unseats the other every five years, its is nothing new,&#39;&#39; he said.&nbsp;

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In <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HimachalPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HimachalPradesh</a> one party unseats the other every five years, its is nothing new. Not taking names but if some people wouldn&#39;t have said certain wrong things Congress would have won in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a>, they managed a good show there: Former J&amp;K CM Farooq Abdullah <a href="https://t.co/T3jllcc9ae">pic.twitter.com/T3jllcc9ae</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/942993132462915584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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On being asked if a conspiracy to defeat PM Modi in elections was made in Pakistan, Farooq Abdullah says, &#39;&#39;he himself went to Pakistan,&#39;&#39; and added taht, &#39;Pakistan koi saazish nahi karta.&#39;

In the run-up to elections, Aiyar had called PM Modi &quot;neech kisam ka insaan&quot;.

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In <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HimachalPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HimachalPradesh</a> one party unseats the other every five years, its is nothing new. Not taking names but if some people wouldn&#39;t have said certain wrong things Congress would have won in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a>, they managed a good show there: Former J&amp;K CM Farooq Abdullah <a href="https://t.co/T3jllcc9ae">pic.twitter.com/T3jllcc9ae</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/942993132462915584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&quot;Whatever Ambedkar wished, one person- Nehru made it come true. If a person is talking bad things about a such a family, and that too in at a time when a big memorial is being inaugurated in remembrance of Ambedkar, I feel, this person is lowly and has no decency. On such an occasion, why do we need dirty politics?&quot; he had said.

The BJP was quick to claim that Aiyar was calling the PM as a low-born individual. What added to the controversy is Aiyar&#39;s historic remarks against the PM wherein he had called PM Modi a chaiwallah.&nbsp;

While Aiyar rushed to correcting the remarks saying he meant &quot;low level and not low-born&quot;, the damage was done as Congress asked Aiyar to apologize and later expelled him from the party.&nbsp;

In the run-up to elections, Aiyar had called PM Modi "neech kisam ka insaan".

Taking a dig at Mani Shankar Aiyar without naming him, Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday said ''if some people wouldn't have said certain wrong things Congress would have won in Gujarat.'' ''Not taking names but if some people wouldn't have said certain wrong things Congress would have won in Gujarat, they managed a good show there,'' said former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah. On Himachal Pradesh, he said that one party unseats the other every five year which is not new. ''In Himachal Pradesh one party unseats the other every five years, its is nothing new,'' he said. In #HimachalPradesh one party unseats the other every five years, its is nothing new. Not taking names but if some people wouldn't have said certain wrong things Congress would have won in #Gujarat, they managed a good show there: Former J&K CM Farooq Abdullah pic.twitter.com/T3jllcc9ae — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2017 × On being asked if a conspiracy to defeat PM Modi in elections was made in Pakistan, Farooq Abdullah says, ''he himself went to Pakistan,'' and added taht, 'Pakistan koi saazish nahi karta.' In the run-up to elections, Aiyar had called PM Modi "neech kisam ka insaan". In #HimachalPradesh one party unseats the other every five years, its is nothing new. Not taking names but if some people wouldn't have said certain wrong things Congress would have won in #Gujarat, they managed a good show there: Former J&K CM Farooq Abdullah pic.twitter.com/T3jllcc9ae — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2017 × "Whatever Ambedkar wished, one person- Nehru made it come true. If a person is talking bad things about a such a family, and that too in at a time when a big memorial is being inaugurated in remembrance of Ambedkar, I feel, this person is lowly and has no decency. On such an occasion, why do we need dirty politics?" he had said. The BJP was quick to claim that Aiyar was calling the PM as a low-born individual. What added to the controversy is Aiyar's historic remarks against the PM wherein he had called PM Modi a chaiwallah. While Aiyar rushed to correcting the remarks saying he meant "low level and not low-born", the damage was done as Congress asked Aiyar to apologize and later expelled him from the party.

Watch: If some people had not said certain wrong things, Cong would have won in Gujarat, says Farooq Abdullah

National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah has voiced his concern&nbsp;over the &ldquo;worsening situation&rdquo; in Jammu and Kashmir after a Territorial Army jawan was abducted and killed by militants in Shopian district of south Kashmir.&nbsp;

The body of a jawan was found lying in an orchard in the Watmullah Keegam area of the district.

Farooq stressed on the need for the Centre to put pressure on Pakistan to bring peace to the region while calling the Centre&#39;s special envoy on Kashmir Dineshwar Sharma&rsquo;s meeting with people of the state a &ldquo;formality&rdquo;.&nbsp;

He added that peace would be achieved only when &quot;sincere and serious efforts&quot; were made.

According to PTI, Farooq at a function in Kathua district said to media, &ldquo;Claims of peace (in Jammu and Kashmir) are falling flat in the face of increased killings. Yet another jawan has been abducted and killed.

&ldquo;All problems are originating from across the border and the life of those living along the border has become pitiable due to intermittent shelling.

&quot;The nation should be taken into confidence as to how the Centre is sorting out issues with the neighbouring country.&rdquo;

Abdullah had earlier sparked a controversy with his controversial remark on &ldquo;PoK belonged to Pakistan&rdquo; and &quot;this won&#39;t change&quot; no matter how many wars India and Pakistan fight.&nbsp;

&quot;Conversion of the Line of Control (LoC) into a line of peace will improve the living conditions of people on both sides and promote interaction and goodwill,&quot; Abdullah said.

He also spoke about the mental state of valley residents who now dwell in violence. He said, &quot;The border dwellers are suffering due to fear psychosis and uncertainty.&quot;

 
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Abdullah expressed his concern after a Territorial Army jawan was abducted and killed by militants in Shopian district of south Kashmir

National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah has voiced his concern over the “worsening situation” in Jammu and Kashmir after a Territorial Army jawan was abducted and killed by militants in Shopian district of south Kashmir. The body of a jawan was found lying in an orchard in the Watmullah Keegam area of the district. Farooq stressed on the need for the Centre to put pressure on Pakistan to bring peace to the region while calling the Centre's special envoy on Kashmir Dineshwar Sharma’s meeting with people of the state a “formality”. He added that peace would be achieved only when "sincere and serious efforts" were made. According to PTI, Farooq at a function in Kathua district said to media, “Claims of peace (in Jammu and Kashmir) are falling flat in the face of increased killings. Yet another jawan has been abducted and killed. “All problems are originating from across the border and the life of those living along the border has become pitiable due to intermittent shelling. "The nation should be taken into confidence as to how the Centre is sorting out issues with the neighbouring country.” Abdullah had earlier sparked a controversy with his controversial remark on “PoK belonged to Pakistan” and "this won't change" no matter how many wars India and Pakistan fight. "Conversion of the Line of Control (LoC) into a line of peace will improve the living conditions of people on both sides and promote interaction and goodwill," Abdullah said. He also spoke about the mental state of valley residents who now dwell in violence. He said, "The border dwellers are suffering due to fear psychosis and uncertainty."

Farooq Abdullah expresses concern over 'worsening security situation' in J&K

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