Farooq Abdullah Denies Backing Article 370 Abrogation, Labels Dulat’s Claims a “Cheap Stunt”
Former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah refutes ex-RAW chief A.S. Dulat’s assertions that he privately supported the abrogation of Article 370, dismissing them as baseless and misleading.
Key Highlights:
On April 17, 2025, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah issued a sharp rebuttal to claims made by A.S. Dulat that he had privately supported the abrogation of Article 370. The senior National Conference leader dismissed the allegations as a “cheap stunt” aimed at promoting Dulat’s recently released memoir The Chief Minister and the Spy.
According to Abdullah, the assertions are not only false but also an insult to the sacrifices made during the time of Article 370’s revocation.
“I was in jail the night Article 370 was scrapped. I was booked under the Public Safety Act. How could I have supported it?” Abdullah stated.
Farooq Responds to Book’s Portrayal of His Role
In the book, Dulat reportedly suggests that Abdullah had shown openness toward a meeting with the Prime Minister prior to the 2019 constitutional change. Dulat also implies that Abdullah followed his advice closely, a suggestion the NC veteran firmly rejected.
“I take decisions based on my own conscience. I am not anyone’s puppet,” Abdullah asserted.
The leader made it clear that while he maintained cordial relations with officials, no such collaboration over the scrapping of Kashmir’s special status ever occurred.
What This Means for You
The issue reignites debates around Article 370 and its fallout. Citizens, especially those in Jammu and Kashmir, are watching this narrative unfold closely. Here’s what it could mean:
- Renewed scrutiny of Article 370 and political alignments
- Increased polarization ahead of upcoming elections
- Public distrust toward political memoirs and their timing
- Impact on regional political alliances and voter perception
The situation also brings attention back to unresolved issues around detentions, administrative overreach, and personal reputations in politics.
How to Take Action
If you’re following the Article 370 debate and this latest row:
- Stay updated with statements directly from leaders involved
- Read memoirs with a critical and contextual lens
- Engage in informed discussions about Kashmir’s political history
- Demand transparency and accountability in public discourse
This political moment underscores the need for careful reflection, especially on issues involving constitutional and emotional sensitivities.
Who Will Be Affected
The controversy may have wide-ranging impacts, particularly for:
- Regional parties like the NC and PDP, whose public trust is at stake
- Youth voters in Kashmir, who remain deeply connected to Article 370 debates
- Central political strategies, especially concerning Kashmir narratives
- Literary and political discourse, given the influence of autobiographies on public opinion
Leaders may be compelled to revisit their historical positions, while citizens remain keenly attentive to any signs of inconsistency.
Mehbooba Mufti, Sajad Lone React to the Allegations
Following Farooq Abdullah’s denial, other regional leaders entered the fray. Mehbooba Mufti, leader of the PDP, said she wasn’t surprised by the claims and reiterated her criticism of the NC’s proximity to central figures during the 2014-2019 period.
Sajad Lone, another prominent leader, referred to Dulat as “virtually Farooq Abdullah’s alter ego” and suggested that the meeting between Abdullah and the Prime Minister was known to some political insiders.
Dulat Responds Amid Backlash
In a follow-up statement, A.S. Dulat clarified that the memoir was intended as a tribute, not an exposé, and insisted that there was nothing negative written about Farooq Abdullah. He expressed disappointment over the backlash, claiming his words were taken out of context.
Despite this, the political storm shows no signs of settling, with renewed attention on the role of intelligence officers in political affairs.
A Fresh Political Storm in Kashmir’s Evolving Narrative
The April 2025 confrontation between Farooq Abdullah and A.S. Dulat adds another twist to Kashmir’s post-Article 370 chapter. With denials, accusations, and clarifications dominating the headlines, the political discourse around Jammu and Kashmir remains as complex and consequential as ever.
Whether this row changes public perception or simply feeds another media cycle, it reaffirms one truth—in Kashmir, no political narrative is ever simple or settled.
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