23 May 2024: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has raised concerns over the lack of prominent Muslim leaders on the national stage during a time when the community faces significant challenges. Speaking about the current political landscape, Abdullah lamented the limited influence of Ghulam Nabi Azad, who left the Congress in 2022 to form the Democratic Azad Party (DAP), which is now restricted to the Chenab Valley.
Abdullah emphasized the urgent need for a strong national-level Muslim leader to provide reassurance to the Muslim community across India. He pointed out that Azad could have played a pivotal role within the Congress, leading its campaign and representing Muslim interests, but his departure left a leadership void.
“Azad not being there is a loss to the wider Muslim community, especially at this time when Muslims are facing such a brutal onslaught from the BJP,” Abdullah said.
He referred to various recent issues, such as the controversies surrounding the Mangal Sutra, Babri Masjid, and the Ram Mandir, and criticized the BJP’s divisive rhetoric.
Abdullah expressed concern over the BJP’s campaign strategy, which he said lacks a unifying theme and relies heavily on religious polarization. He also remarked on the surprising inclusion of corporate figures like Adani and Ambani in the BJP’s campaign attacks.
Despite sensing some unease in the BJP’s campaign, Abdullah remains skeptical about a significant shift in their overall tally, predicting only minor changes in their numbers.
Addressing a public meeting in Pahalgam, Anantnag district, Abdullah criticized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for its alliance with the BJP, which he believes facilitated the abrogation of Article 370. He argued that if the PDP had allied with his party, the National Conference (NC), the situation in Jammu and Kashmir could have been different, preserving the region’s autonomy.
Abdullah called for support for NC candidate Mian Altaf in the Anantnag-Rajouri seat, framing the election as a fight against communal forces supported by other parties.
Abdullah’s concerns also highlight his broader critique of the BJP and PDP’s role in the current political and social challenges faced by Muslims in India.
