Attack on Dr Farooq Abdullah unacceptable in democracy: Union Minister Athawale

Jammu, Mar 15: Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Sunday described the assassination bid on the former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah as “unfortunate and a matter of concern.”

Incidents like the attack on Dr Farooq were unacceptable in a democracy where there might be different ideologies, Athawale asserted while addressing a press conference in Jammu.

“Today I had come to Jammu for an award function here, organised by my party’s national secretary and also our J&K state president to honour achievers in diverse sectors. After reaching here in Jammu, I came to know that Farooq Abdullah Sahib survived a bid on his life here (in Jammu) just a couple of days ago. This is certainly not a good development for us as a democracy,” Athawale stated.

Athawale, who is the Republican Party of India (RPI)-A supremo, said that Dr Farooq, as senior leader (president) of the National Conference (NC) made appreciable efforts for improving their ties and establishing an amiable and strong relationship (of J&K) with (the rest of) India.

“J&K is not a separate entity. It is an integral part of India. There was a time when Farooq Abdullah Ji’s National Conference was part of our National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and when Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji was our Prime Minister, his (Farooq’s) son Omar Abdullah, was in his cabinet. There may be different ideologies. However, we used to work together by formulating a Common Minimum Programme,” the Union Minister recalled old ties with Dr Farooq Abdullah and his party.

“Therefore, this attack on Dr Farooq Sahib is a matter of great concern for us. None has a right to make a bid on someone else’s life or take someone’s life. I’ve learnt that the person, who made a bid on his (Farooq’s) life, was the relative of the family which had hosted the wedding function. The person (accused) stated that he had been aiming to target him (Farooq) for the past 20 years. However, he has not spelt out the reason. Anyway, whatever may be the reason, we condemn this attack or any such incident,” he said.

In the same breath, Athawale, however, asserted that the Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured to increase his (Farooq’s) security.

“Anyway, Union Home Minister Amit Shahji has also spoken to Dr Farooq Abdullah and has also assured to bolster his security. He (Farooq) is not part of NDA at present. His son Omar Abdullahji is presently the Chief Minister here (in J&K) after winning the public mandate. We respect the mandate (in democracy) and hence we vehemently condemn this assault. As far as J&K is concerned, it is a priority area for the Modi government. Since 2014, it has been focusing on the overall and inclusive development of J&K and the North-East, be it in terms of road connectivity or railway,” the Union Minister pointed out.

With regard to statehood to J&K, Athawale reiterated that it would be restored and a decision on that account would be taken soon.

He also reiterated appeal to shun violence, Naxal and extremist activities and to join the mainstream.

Responding to queries about the Indo-US trade deal, Athawale asserted that it would generate employment and help MSMEs, traders thus boosting the economy.

“It is not against the farmers or small traders. Such agreements have been made in the previous regimes, including that of Dr Manmohan Singh, as well. Rahul Gandhi, his party and other opposition leaders are deliberating spreading canards about the deal to mislead people. They are wasting public money by creating ruckus (in the Parliament),” the Union Minister replied.

Regarding ongoing war in West Asia, he reiterated that India wanted peace and an end to it (war).

About questions related to fuel shortage in the backdrop of war, Athawale, while referring to the statement of Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri, said that the government was taking all steps to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply. Responding to queries regarding global developments, Athawale stated that fuel supply could be impacted due to the ongoing conflict involving US-Israel and Iran. However, he assured that the government had adequate fuel stock available.

He also highlighted the developmental initiatives undertaken by the Centre in Jammu and Kashmir post the abrogation of Article 370.

The Union Minister stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, significant improvements were made in road and rail connectivity in J&K. He noted that enhanced infrastructure improved mobility and boosted economic activities in the region. He said rail connectivity, with better facilities also expanded, including the introduction of the Vande Bharat Express. “The Ministry of Railways continues to work actively on strengthening the railway network,” he added.

Athawale said that development in Jammu and Kashmir accelerated after the abrogation of Article 370. Increased investment, improved infrastructure and government initiatives have contributed to greater employment opportunities and faster development in the region.

Outlining several welfare initiatives benefiting people in J&K, he informed that as of March 2026, 24 lakh 37 thousand bank accounts were opened in the Union Territory under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, with a fund allocation of Rs 1754.25 Cr released from 2014-26, enabling greater financial inclusion.

“In addition, 12 lakh 79 thousand gas connections have been allotted under Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala Yojana Yojana to improve access to clean cooking fuel. 25 lakh nine thousand loans, with an allocation of Rs 54267.91 Cr have been provided to beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana from 2015-26. Besides, 35 thousand houses costing 586 crore rupees have been constructed in J&K under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) from 2016-26 to provide housing for all. Under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, Rs 3638 Cr have been provided from 2018-26, benefiting 19 lakh 73 thousand people,” he said.

The Minister also informed that Rs 94 lakh were released for 13 old age homes in Jammu and Kashmir from 2023-25.

Highlighting India’s economic progress, Athawale stated that the country moved from being the 10th largest economy to the 4th largest in the world, and was expected to soon become the third largest economy. He noted that initiatives aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing, including the Make in India initiative, and continued support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) contributed to increased production and exports.

He also stated that the government would initiate a caste-based census to better understand the socio-economic conditions of different communities. He noted that the Scheduled Caste population constituted approximately 16.6 per cent of the country’s population.

The Minister further highlighted that persons with disabilities (Divyangjan) in Jammu and Kashmir were now receiving reservation benefits following the abrogation of Article 370, thereby ensuring greater access to opportunities and social justice.

Athawale reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive development, social justice and economic progress, while ensuring that the benefits of government initiatives reach all sections of society.