Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah, Thursday, said that the Congress continues to support the ruling coalition in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for Friday.
Interacting with reports of discord between the alliance partner congress, “The Congress is with us and supports us,” Dr. Farooq told reporters in Srinagar. When asked why he chose not to contest the Rajya Sabha polls, the NC president, who has served over 22 years in Parliament during his 45-year political career, said his focus now is on strengthening Jammu and Kashmir.
“I have done enough work in Parliament. Now I have to take care of my home. When our house is prosperous, the nation will also prosper. We must strengthen our home, resolve its difficulties, and provide relief to our people that is our aim,” he said, adding that it is now time for the younger generation to represent Jammu and Kashmir in Parliament.
Commenting on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s remarks urging people to check for halal certification on products, Dr. Abdullah said it was for the people of Uttar Pradesh to decide, emphasizing that India’s strength lies in its unity in diversity. “As long as we uphold diversity, India will remain strong. No government is permanent—change is inevitable. We must stay patient and tolerant. God belongs to everyone, regardless of religion, and that is India’s greatest blessing,” he noted.
On the issue of US tariffs, the NC President urged Washington to roll them back, cautioning against arrogance in global leadership. “Look at history every empire that let arrogance grows was destroyed. I urge President Trump to reconsider the tariffs and move forward with wisdom,” he said.
Responding to concerns over the installation of smart electricity meters in Kashmir, Dr. Abdullah appealed to the public to understand the government’s position and use electricity judiciously, noting that the government spends crores of rupees to procure power and that responsible usage is essential for efficient resource management.
