Srinagar, May 20 – Member Parliament and former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah has said that the National Conference had not cheated on Congress party after independent candidate Hassan Khan won the Ladakh Parliamentary seat and pledged support to NC and UPA, stating that Congress made a mistake by not taking the strong Shia clergy of Kargil on board.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Times Now news channel, Dr. Abdullah, who recently won the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat, said Congress leaders failed to negotiate and forgot that the Islamia School in Kargil was a big force to reckon with. He said Hassan Khan was supported by the Islamia School and also received support from Buddhists in Leh. He said it was a mistake to ignore Islamia School and the Shia clergy and that he or his party did not betray anybody.
Brushing aside as mere speculation that his party was vying for Tourism ministry in the Union cabinet, Dr. Abdullah said NC’s support to the Congress-led UPA was unconditional. “Reports of NC looking for Cabinet berth are absolutely wrong. We have neither raised this question nor has there been any word from me, my party or the Chief Minister regarding any Cabinet berth. All sorts of channels are at work. This is a creation of people having vested interest and none of these have passed our mind”, he said, adding that he and NC are ally of UPA with which it will work together for a better tomorrow.
Referring to his meeting with UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Dr. Abdullah said that he met her and conveyed his greetings for her and son Rahul Gandhi’s good work that was rewarded when UPA won the general elections hands down.
On being asked about his party’s unconditional support to the UPA, Dr. Abdullah said that he knew the moment Congress emerged as the largest political party, other parties would fall in line. “We stayed with the UPA and will remain part of UPA, which we expect will make India a major goodwill ambassador to the world”, he added.
Replying to another question, former Chief Minister said that he expected the new UPA government at the Centre to work for better relations with neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal and Pakistan and will look into future of younger generation which came out in large numbers to support the alliance.
Praising AICC General Secretary Rahul Gandhi for his role in making Congress single largest party, the former Chief Minister said his presence played a significant role in turning Congress’ fortunes for the better especially in Uttar Pradesh and added that the process of youth power had already started with induction of young leaders like Omar Abdullah as Chief Minister of J&K State and Mr. Ashok Chavan as Chief Minister of Maharashtra.