Srinagar, Jul 9: Senior BJP leader and Raja Sabha member, Gulam Ali Khatana on Wednesday dismissed recent statement made by National Conference (NC) president Dr. Farooq Abdullah regarding the Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, saying such rhetoric holds no ground for today’s youth.
Speaking to reporters on the sideline of a function here in SKICC, Khatana said, “Don’t take Farooq Abdullah seriously. When is he going to pass the autonomy resolution? When is he going to join the government? These political stunts used to work earlier, when there was a gap between New Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir. But now, in Digital India, it is no longer possible to mislead the people.”
He made these remarks while responding to Farooq Abdullah’s recent remarks to vow to continue his fight for the restoration of J&K’s special status.
Khatana asserted that the people, especially the youth, are more informed and vigilant than ever before. “Today’s youth live in the digital era—they are well-aware and won’t be misled by outdated political narratives,” he said.
He further claimed that past political branches extended to leaders like Farooq Abdullah were only possible in an environment of disconnection and mistrust between Kashmir, Jammu, and the national capital—an environment he said no longer exists.
Commenting on governance, Khatana said if there is any dissatisfaction among the people, it stems from the failure of the Omar Abdullah-led government. “If people are unhappy, it’s the result of Omar Abdullah government’s failures. The Lieutenant Governor only handles law and order matters,” he remarked.
On the issue of statehood, Khatana reiterated the Centre’s commitment. “Both the Prime Minister and Home Minister have made it clear—statehood will be restored at the right time,” he said. (KINS)
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