Srinagar, May 1: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Friday said he has never trusted exit polls, expressing hope that they would once again prove inaccurate.
“I have never trusted exit polls. Exit polls have proved wrong in the past and I hope they prove wrong this time,” Abdullah told reporters.
On the FIR filed against Iltija Mufti, Abdullah said he was not aware of the reasons behind it. “I don’t know why it was filed. Iltija Mufti must know,” he said.
Referring to the reported increase in Hajj expenses, Abdullah said the cost has gone up by around Rs 10,000 due to rising fuel prices amid the ongoing global crisis. “Haji Saheb is very worried. Because of the crisis, fuel prices have increased and so has the cost. There is nothing we can do about it,” he said.
He said people are praying for peace as rising costs continue to impact pilgrims. “We have asked God to bring peace so that we can get rid of these problems,” he added.
On India-Pakistan relations, Abdullah reiterated that dialogue is necessary for peace, but declined to comment further in view of the evolving situation. “This is about both countries. We have to think about both. I cannot say anything more,” he said.
On the Rajya Sabha elections, he said the Peoples Democratic Party did not support his party. “They did not vote for us. Ask them who they voted for. Only God knows,” he said.
Reacting to reports regarding Urdu in the revenue department, Abdullah dismissed them as incorrect. “Nothing has been decided. People have been asked for their opinion. Urdu is our language and it will not end in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Hitting out at opposition parties, Abdullah accused them of being responsible for the region’s past problems. “They have nothing else to say. They are responsible for the destruction here. Those shedding tears today should not be forgotten,” he said.(KNS).
