Aaqib Khan

Baramulla, Oct 24 (KNS): National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday cautioned party workers against changing their political loyalties according to which party holds power, saying commitment to the organisation must be based on honesty and principles rather than personal interests.

Addressing a gathering in Baramulla, Abdullah said those who had devoted themselves to the National Conference must remain steadfast in their commitment, irrespective of political circumstances.

"If you have really given your blood for this Jamaat, then walk with it with honesty. Do not walk with dishonesty," Abdullah said.

In a pointed message to party workers, the former Chief Minister questioned the tendency to remain associated with a political organisation only when it is in government.

"Today there is a government, and you are with us. If you want to remain with this Jamaat, will you remain only as long as this government is there?" he asked, stressing that political loyalty should not depend on positions of power.

Abdullah said the strength of a political organisation lay in the sincerity and dedication of its workers, not merely in electoral victories or government formation.

He urged party members to demonstrate courage and conviction, saying they should not allow fear or personal considerations to influence their political conduct.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The NC president also said his political objectives were not centred on securing positions of authority but on addressing the economic difficulties facing the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

"I am not asking you to make me Chief Minister. I am not asking you to make me President. I am asking you to remove our poverty," he said.

Abdullah further questioned why Jammu and Kashmir continued to face electricity shortages despite generating power from its own resources.

"Electricity is being produced, yet we are deprived of electricity," he said.

Recalling his tenure as Chief Minister, he referred to efforts to develop major hydropower projects and discussions with the Centre over their eventual transfer to Jammu and Kashmir.

"We will take the projects back," he asserted.

Abdullah also recalled the political understanding between Jammu and Kashmir and India, saying it had been founded on the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.

"We made peace with Gandhi's India. We made peace with Nehru's India. We never expected that a time would come when Hindus and Muslims would be made to fight each other," he said.

Calling upon people to speak without fear, Abdullah said political workers must stand by their convictions and remain committed to the welfare of the people rather than the pursuit of power. (KNS)