Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD): In a scathing attack on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), National Conference (NC) president and former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday alleged that the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A could have been averted if PDP founder Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had accepted the support extended by the NC and Congress at a crucial time.
“PDP is fooling people. Article 370 and 35A would not have been abrogated if Mufti sahab had agreed when NC and Congress extended support,” Abdullah said, while addressing a gathering.
The veteran politician’s remarks come amid renewed calls for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and full statehood. His comments also signal a widening rift among the regional parties over the events that led to the dilution of constitutional provisions that granted J&K its unique identity within the Indian Union.
Abdullah’s statement has reignited political debate, with PDP yet to issue an official response. However, political observers note that the remark is likely to further strain ties between the two former allies of the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), formed to fight for the restoration of Article 370.
The abrogation of Article 370 and 35A by the Centre on August 5, 2019, led to the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories — Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh — sparking widespread criticism from regional parties, civil society, and legal experts. The case is currently being heard in the Supreme Court, with the next hearing scheduled for August 8, 2025(DD)