New Delhi: The abrogation of Article 370, a constitutional provision that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, has been a contentious issue since its repeal in 2019. Recently, a book by former RAW chief AS Dulat has sparked a heated debate by claiming that Farooq Abdullah, the National Conference chief, privately supported the Centre’s move to abolish Article 370, despite his public opposition. This revelation contrasts sharply with Abdullah’s vocal criticism of the decision as a “betrayal” in public forums.
In the Main Body of this controversy, several key points emerge that highlight the complexity of Abdullah’s stance. Dulat’s book, titled “The Chief Minister and the Spy,” reveals that Farooq Abdullah allegedly expressed support for the abrogation in private conversations, a claim the National Conference vehemently denies. According to the book, Abdullah even questioned why he was not consulted about the decision, reflecting a sense of exclusion.
Abdullah and his son Omar Abdullah met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi just days before the abrogation, a meeting that was kept under wraps until the very moment the bill was presented in Parliament. Following the passage of the bill, Abdullah was detained for nearly seven months. Upon his release, he refused to endorse the government’s decision and instead emphasized that any statements would be made in Parliament.
In a surprising turn of events, Abdullah went on to form the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), a coalition aimed at challenging the Centre’s decision and seeking the restoration of Article 370. This move, critics argue, contradicts the notion of his private support for the abrogation.
The National Conference has dismissed Dulat’s claims as baseless, suggesting that the book aims to sensationalize the issue. However, figures like J&K People’s Conference chief Sajad Lone and Iltija Mufti have not only criticized Abdullah but also found the allegations credible given Dulat’s close relationship with him.
