Farooq Abdullah criticizes PM Modi’s remarks, affirms respect for all religions

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over recent comments regarding the Congress party’s manifesto and religious sentiments, asserting that Islam promotes equality and respect for all faiths.
Abdullah condemned Modi’s remarks made at a rally in Rajasthan, where Modi suggested that the Congress manifesto favored Muslims over other communities. Responding to this, Abdullah emphasized, “Our religion Islam tells us to treat everyone equally. Our religion does not tell us to look down at other religions.”

Expressing dismay at Modi’s statement, Abdullah clarified, “It will never happen that a Muslim will snatch the mangalsutra of a (Hindu) mother or sister. (If anyone does), he is not a Muslim. He does not understand Islam then.”

Abdullah highlighted the inclusive teachings of Islam, stating, “Islam teaches me that if you kill one person, mind it, you have killed humanity. I am also a Muslim and the Quran does not teach me to hate Hindus. I love Hindus as much as I love Sikhs and Muslims.”
Turning to political matters, Abdullah criticized the BJP’s proposal of ‘One Nation, One Election,’ arguing that India’s diverse states and constitutional structure make a single nationwide election impractical. He questioned the BJP’s motives, suggesting a desire for prolonged power akin to other global leaders.

Abdullah also scrutinized recent changes in election laws, particularly the removal of the Chief Justice of India from the Election Commission selection panel, questioning the rationale behind this alteration.
Addressing the uncertain status of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah expressed uncertainty about the timing of polls and hinted at potential political maneuvering.