Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 26: Former Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah while commenting on the resignation of senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad from the party today suggested that Congress should go for introspection and his leaving from the party at this crucial time is not good.
Abdullah while speaking to reporters expressed sadness at Azad’s exit from the party at this crucial phase through which Congress is passing.
“He was a pillar of Congress. From Indira Gandhi to Rajiv Gandhi, he was like a family member. Congress is passing through a very difficult phase and leaving the party at this stage is not good. If Congress would have been in a good condition and he left, then it was alright but leaving at this juncture when Congress is in whirlpool is not right,” Abdullah said.
The NC president said that Congress high command should not brush aside the allegations levelled by Azad and go for introspection.
“It is very unfortunate. It is a Tsunami. A very tall leader who has given his entire life to Congress has resigned from the basic membership of the party. The allegations which he has levelled against Congress high command should not be brushed aside. They party should also go for introspection,” he said.
Abdullah suggested that those who are trying to weaken the Congress party should be shown the door.
“He has written the letter from the core of his heart. Congress should look into it and call these leaders back into party fold and strengthen the party. And those who are trying to weaken the party should be shown the door,” he said.
“Leaders come and leaders go. Today BJP is saying Congress is dying. It will not die. Congress is here to remain. It has fought for the independence of the country,” he said.
On the criticism levelled by Azad against Rahul Gandhi, Abdullah said: “Someone in Rahul Gandhi’s close circle is not only giving him wrong advice, but is also trying to finish off the Congress.”
Talking about earlier dissent within the Congress, Farooq Abdullah said, “23 Congress leaders had written a simple letter for improvement in party and bring democracy. It has not happened till today.”
On Azad farming his own party in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah said that he should fight for strengthening democracy and secularism.
“I pray that he works for the strengthening the secular and democratic character of the country and fights against the forces which are spreading hatred in the country,” he said.
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