Farooq Abdullah

Asked about some BJP leaders raising questions over the Supreme Court after its directions on the Waqf Amendment Act, the NC leader said the four pillars of democracy – legislature, executive, judiciary and the media – keep democracy alive in the country

Ex-RAW chief AS Dulat has made a big claim about Farooq Abdullah, saying that Abdullah was always a secret supporter of the Abrogation of Article 370.

He was responding to a question about some opposition leaders flagging the issue on Sunday even as there was no official word from the government on the matter so far.

In the video which has gone viral on social media, Abdullah was seen donning a traditional red-coloured scarf, often associated with Vaishno Devi pilgrims.

Reflecting on historical narratives, he recalled misinformation during his tenure as chief minister in 1996 regarding the settlement of people from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Speaking to the press on Tuesday, Abdullah shared his optimism about Jammu and Kashmir's development. He believes that the new government will lead the region towards prosperity in the coming years.

The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district.

He also said restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood would be on the new government's agenda.

A meeting of the pre-poll alliance members is scheduled for Friday to advance the process of forming the new government

He was reacting to reports that Mufti's PDP was ready to extend support to the Congress-National Conference combine.

Those sensing their impending defeat have resorted to spreading such baseless accusations, the National Conference said in a statement on Friday.

Who knows? Let’s see. Nothing is ruled out in politics, except (that) we are not going with the BJP, says NC president on alliance with PDP in case of hung assembly.

"Think carefully," the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said and asked voters to be aware of individuals "sent by Delhi" who may not have their best interests at heart.

Home Minister Shah had accused the Congress-National Conference alliance of seeking to return to the "old system" and reaffirmed the NDA government's stance against terrorism and any for of "autonomy" or injustice.

Restoration of Article 370 and statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, resolution of the Kashmir issue and talks with Pakistan are among the promises made by the NC and PDP in their manifestos for the Jammu and Kashmir elections.

The former chief minister also said that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's visit to the Union territory was a slap on the faces of those who would brand mainstream leaders of Jammu and Kashmir as Pakistanis or Khalistanis

"It's better if you don't me ask me this question. I will not answer it," a smiling Farooq told reporters when asked whether he will be contesting the elections or sees himself becoming the chief minister again.

Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge are currently in Srinagar on a two-day visit to the poll-bound union territory.

A final decision on the alliance between the Congress and National Conference is expected during the meeting of top leaders of both parties in Srinagar on Thursday.

A single bench order passed by Justice Sanjeev Kumar said no predicate offence was made against the individuals and hence the charge sheet and supplementary charge sheet filed by the ED are quashed