National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah urged people to vote for the Congress-NC alliance in the ongoing Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, emphasizing that the contest is not about religion but about action. He called for unity to counter the forces spreading hatred across the country, which he accused of dividing communities for political gain.
Speaking at a rally in Surankote, Poonch, alongside Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Abdullah took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, criticizing his past remarks aimed at creating division. He referenced Modi’s controversial comments during a previous campaign about Muslims and wealth distribution, including claims about snatching the “mangalsutra” of Hindu women.
“Today, this fight is not about religion, it is about action. It’s a battle against those who want to divide India by spreading hate,” Abdullah said. “These hate-spreading forces are weakening our nation to stay in power. Can we allow them to continue?”
Abdullah highlighted the Congress-NC alliance as a strategic move to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which he blamed for creating rifts between Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians. “The BJP and RSS have tried to sow division, but their strategy is failing. We must unite to end this politics of hate,” he stressed.
He also slammed Modi for stoking fears about Muslims taking over properties and wealth. “He says Muslims have more children and will take away houses and mangalsutras. This is nothing but an attempt to spread fear and hatred. If we want to end this, we must unite,” Abdullah added.
Calling for communal harmony, Abdullah urged voters from all communities in Jammu and Kashmir to come together in the fight against divisive forces. “This election is about more than just religion. It is about action—action to end hatred and build a better future. We, Hindus, Muslims, Gujjars, Shias, Sunnis, must come together to fight this battle,” he said, urging voters to back the Congress-NC alliance.
Encouraging the public to vote for the alliance, Abdullah said, “Press the button for the hand symbol and bring this alliance to power. This election is your chance to end difficulties, restore peace, and build a united Jammu and Kashmir.”
He also addressed the presence of rebel candidate Choudhary Mohammad Akram, urging him to step down for the greater good of the alliance. “Akram Sahab, your candidacy strengthens the forces that don’t want us to live peacefully.