Jammu and Kashmir Assembly: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Farooq Abdullah, came to the defence of Indias first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, in response to Home Minister Amit Shahs criticism of Nehrus decisions. Shah had blamed Nehru for two major blunders, including taking the Kashmir issue to the United Nations (UN).Abdullah asserted that there was no alternative at the time but to involve the UN, citing the recommendations of Lord Mountbatten and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.Lord Mountbatten and Patels AdviceSpeaking to reporters, Abdullah explained that Lord Mountbatten and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had also recommended taking the Kashmir issue to the United Nations. He argued that, given the circumstances, there was no other viable option.Diverting Army to Save RegionsAbdullah further justified the decision, stating that the Indian Army was diverted to save regions like Poonch and Rajouri. He claimed that if this diversion hadnt occurred, these areas would have fallen to Pakistan.Amit Shahs CriticismAmit Shah, during a heated Lok Sabha session, had criticised Nehrus decisions, particularly the announcement of a ceasefire and involving the UN in the Kashmir issue. Shah deemed these moves as historic blunders, suggesting that if Nehru had taken different steps, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) would be a part of India today.Farooq Abdullahs ResponseIn response to Shahs remarks, Abdullah defended Nehrus actions, emphasizing the context of the time. He supported the argument that there was no alternative and cited the recommendations from key figures like Lord Mountbatten and Patel.The exchange in the Lok Sabha highlighted the differing perspectives on Nehrus decisions during that critical period in Indias history.
