Srinagar, April 16 (KNS): Former Intelligence Bureau (IB) Director A.S. Dulat has made a startling revelation, claiming that National Conference (NC) president Dr. Farooq Abdullah seriously contemplated an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the aftermath of the abrogation of Article 370, particularly during 2022-2023.
In a recent interview, Dulat disclosed that he was informally tasked by the Modi-led central government to establish contact with Abdullah while the veteran Kashmiri leader was under house arrest in 2019. “Shortly after Article 370 was scrapped, someone from the Government of India requested me to reach out to Farooq,” Dulat stated.
He further revealed that Abdullah’s release was tied to two unspoken conditions: refraining from criticizing the revocation of J&K’s special status and avoiding any reference to Pakistan.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel“I don’t recall if I spelled it out clearly, but Farooq was wise enough to grasp the message,” Dulat added.
The former spymaster’s remarks echo themes from his latest book, where he explores Abdullah’s political maneuvers, often marked by pragmatism and controversy. The National Conference, a party that has vocally opposed the 2019 constitutional changes, has yet to issue a response to these claims.
As one of the Valley’s most seasoned politicians, Abdullah’s political journey continues to generate debate. Dulat’s revelations now add a fresh and complex dimension to his already eventful legacy. (KNS)