BJP has divided the nation: Farooq Abdullah

National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government of dividing the nation on religious lines.

According to Abdullah, the people of India should be afraid of the internal divides and not China or Pakistan.

Addressing an event to commemorate the 62nd death anniversary of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar in Jammu, Abdullah emphasised: "We don't have to fear China or Pakistan; we have to be afraid of the internal divide. They (Bharatiya Janata Party) have created hatred in the last four-and-half years and are trying to break this country and this country will soon get weak."

Comparing the BJP with the British, the former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir said: "They (Bharatiya Janata Party) are like the British who divided and ruled India and this government is also following the same footprints. There is also a possibility that the Indian Army may soon also get divided on the basis of religious lines and become a victim of communalisation."

He accused the present government of having done little for the rights of the downtrodden in the society. Baba Sahab (Bhim Rao Ambedkar) became a big advocate. He gave a Constitution which is known to be the best in the world. Even after 70 years you people have not got your rights. India needs to change. The current government is trying to transform this Constitution from secular to another form. We all have to stand and raise our voices in order to keep India remain secular," he stated.

Abdullah's statements came just a day ahead of the eighth phase of Panchayat elections in Jammu and Kashmir. These elections were announced last month, but two major political parties which had dominated the region-- The National Conference and the People's Democratic Party (PDP) -- boycotted the polls accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government of not taking a firm stand on the protection of Article 35(A) of the Constitution which has been challenged in the Supreme Court.