BJP demands apology from Dr Farooq over remarks on Pakistan, Kashmir

Srinagar, Oct 24: Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Dr Abhijeet Jasrotia on Saturday strongly condemned the recent remarks made by National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah at a party workers’ convention in Baramulla, demanding an unconditional public apology for statements he said undermine national unity and misrepresent the historical and political realities of Jammu and Kashmir.
Dr Jasrotia also criticised Abdullah’s reported remarks describing the media as “sold out”, calling them an unacceptable generalisation that undermines the credibility of journalists and media institutions. He urged media organisations to collectively defend the dignity, independence and professional integrity of the press.
In a strongly worded statement, Dr Jasrotia said: “Farooq Abdullah’s latest remarks in Baramulla are deeply unfortunate and politically irresponsible. His assertion that Pakistan is ‘saving’ Kashmiris by raising the Kashmir issue internationally raises serious questions about his political priorities and his understanding of Pakistan’s role in the region.
“Pakistan has repeatedly sponsored terrorism and violence that have cost countless innocent lives in Jammu and Kashmir. A responsible political leader should be highlighting the suffering caused by terrorism rather than lending credibility to Islamabad’s narrative.
“Dr Farooq Abdullah credits Pakistan for ‘saving’ Kashmiris and questions India’s intentions. A former Chief Minister openly thanking a neighbour accused of supporting terrorism, while portraying his own country as a threat, raises serious concerns. This is not constructive politics; it is deeply disappointing.
“Farooq Abdullah’s statement is reckless, factually inverted and deeply corrosive to national integrity.
“Claiming that external Pakistani advocacy is what prevents harm to Kashmiris from India is not merely political debate; it raises serious questions about his perception of the Indian state and its intentions towards its own citizens. Such rhetoric risks emboldening those who reject India’s sovereignty over the region.
“Freedom of speech protects robust criticism of the government, but political leaders must also recognise their responsibility to avoid statements that may legitimise the narrative of a neighbouring country accused of supporting terrorism. The Laxman Rekha of responsible political discourse must not be crossed.”
Dr Jasrotia also took strong exception to Farooq Abdullah’s reported statement that the entire media is “sold out”.
“Farooq Abdullah’s sweeping allegation that the entire media is ‘sold out’ is an insult to the countless journalists who work tirelessly to report facts, question those in power and uphold democratic accountability.
“If a political leader disagrees with a particular report or media outlet, he is entitled to express his disagreement and provide evidence. However, dismissing the entire media as compromised simply because its coverage may not suit his political interests is neither fair nor responsible.
“The media must stand united in defending its professional dignity and independence. I appeal to media organisations and journalists to collectively reject sweeping, unsubstantiated allegations against the press and consider a united response, including refusing to provide platforms for political attacks that undermine the credibility of journalism. Accountability must apply to political leaders as well as to the media.”
Dr Jasrotia further stated that Farooq Abdullah must remember the history of Jammu and Kashmir and the contribution of Maharaja Hari Singh. The Maharaja’s support for the education of Sheikh Abdullah, Farooq Abdullah’s father, is an important part of the historical record. It is therefore disappointing to see political rhetoric that appears to disregard the legacy and historical complexities associated with Jammu and Kashmir’s accession to India.
History should be approached with dignity, honesty and respect, not selectively invoked for political convenience.
The National Conference must also answer for its own political legacy in Jammu and Kashmir. Instead of repeatedly cultivating a politics of grievance and victimhood, the party should explain how its policies have contributed to the challenges faced by the people of the region. Kashmir deserves constructive leadership, not political narratives that deepen divisions or encourage dependence on external validation.
While the Modi government has emphasised development, infrastructure, tourism, investment and democratic participation in Jammu and Kashmir, Farooq Abdullah continues to make statements that the BJP believes are contrary to the spirit of national integration.
If Farooq Abdullah considers Islamabad’s political position more sympathetic to Kashmiris than India’s democratic framework, he owes the people of Jammu and Kashmir a clear explanation. He must stop confusing the public with statements that risk legitimising Pakistan’s propaganda.
The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve peace, prosperity, dignity and opportunity. They do not deserve to be drawn into political narratives that blur the distinction between constructive criticism of the government and endorsement of the positions advanced by a neighbouring country.
“We demand that Farooq Abdullah withdraw his controversial remarks and issue an unconditional public apology to the people of India. The National Conference must recognise that the future of Jammu and Kashmir lies in peace, democratic participation and development, not in rhetoric that creates further uncertainty,” he said.
Dr Jasrotia further stated that the BJP would continue to challenge political statements it considers divisive and stand firmly for the unity, integrity and development of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. Its future must be shaped by the aspirations of its people, not by narratives promoted from across the border,” he added.