Farooq Abdullah, the patriarch of Jammu and Kashmir and president of the National Conference (NC), has witnessed his troubled state navigate crises for over fifty years. Often acting as a bridge between New Delhi and Srinagar, the 86-year-old leader remains steadfast in his commitment to national politics, stating, “I intend to remain active in national politics until I die.” With the J&K Assembly elections concluding on October 1, Abdullah discusses the influx of independent candidates, his views on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, potential alliances if the elections result in a hung Assembly, and the NC’s position on collaboration, making it clear: “We are open to everything except the BJP.”

Interview Excerpts:

• Impact of Independent Candidates:
  “Until recently, it was believed that the NC and Congress would dominate the J&K polls. However, the scene has changed with the emergence of numerous independent candidates. It’s now up to the people to decide. We have informed them that many of these candidates are affiliated with the BJP, and I hope they make a wise choice. They know that certain individuals were released to split our votes, but they won’t succeed. Either we are foolish, or they are.”
• Government Involvement:
  “I am convinced the Government is behind this strategy, hoping to divide the populace. They think they can sweep Jammu, but the narrative of ‘Hindu, Hindu, Hindu’ has faded. People are aware they have lost their lands, and contracts are being awarded to outsiders, leaving local, educated youth jobless.”
• Contingency Plans for a Hung Assembly:
  “If the Assembly is hung, we will assess our options. Governing under the current powers of the Lieutenant Governor will be challenging, and we demand an immediate restoration of statehood. The special powers granted to the LG need to be revoked; otherwise, it will spark agitation.”
• Potential Alliances:
  “Speculating about alliances is premature; however, we will never align with the BJP, that much is certain. While it’s possible we could consider support from the PDP or Independents, we are focused on maintaining our principles.”
• Political Landscape:
  “I don’t see any potential for a coalition with the PDP. Our party is open to alliances, but the BJP is not an option. If the Independents share our values, we would welcome them. We aim for a strong, inclusive government.”
• Future Elections:
  “If a hung Assembly leads to President’s Rule, it won’t deter us; we are prepared for another election. The public will soon realize the implications of voting for A, B, and C teams.”
• Article 370 Stance:
  “When Engineer Rashid suggests joining the INDIA bloc if Rahul Gandhi commits to restoring Article 370, I question his motivations. He seems aligned with the BJP, which undermines his credibility. If we come to power, our approach regarding Article 370 will be legal; we will consistently advocate for it in the Supreme Court.”
• Focus on Governance:
  “Our primary concern is to improve the state, create jobs, and return land to its rightful owners. We will advocate for Article 370 but need to focus on restoring the state’s honor and advancing the welfare of its citizens.”
• Voter Turnout Insights:
  “The increased voter turnout reflects the public’s resentment toward the BJP. They feel suffocated and believe their dignity has been compromised. The demographic changes they aim to impose are unwelcome.”
• Perception of Rahul Gandhi:
  “Public perception of Rahul Gandhi has shifted positively; people view him as a viable alternative to the BJP. He has demonstrated the courage to confront them in Parliament and envisions an India free from hatred and discrimination.”
• Leadership Transition:
  “While discussions regarding who will lead if the NC-Congress coalition is formed remain open, I believe younger leaders should take the helm. However, I will remain involved in national politics until my last breath.”
• Critique of Central Government:
  “The NDA government is reliant on Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. If political dynamics shift in these states, the government could fall unexpectedly. The BJP understands this, which is why they are hastening their agenda, such as the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative, which poses challenges in a federal structure.”
• Conversations with PM Modi:
  “During my meeting with PM Modi before the abrogation of Article 370, I expressed my concerns regarding troop movements in J&K. He remained silent and offered no clarity. The rapid expulsion of tourists from hotels raised alarms about a possible upheaval.”
• Future Relations with the Centre:
  “If we come to power, we will work assertively with the BJP-led government at the Centre. Our state deserves its rightful share of resources, and we will not accept less.”
• India’s Foreign Policy:
  “I believe the Modi government has mishandled foreign relations. Restoring SAARC could unify neighboring countries, fostering regional cooperation.”
• Potential Leadership of Rahul Gandhi:
  “Should the Opposition have the opportunity to form a government at the Centre, decisions regarding leadership will be made collaboratively. It’s essential to approach this thoughtfully and wait for the right moment to act.”