Jammu: National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah was seen singing a bhajan in Hindi during a religious event in Jammu and Kashmir’s Katra, the basecamp for the Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage.
Abdullah, 87, visited Katra in the Reasi district on Thursday. He attended a kirtan at an ashram where he was handed the mic by a person singing the popular “tune mujhe bulaya shera waliye” bhajan. The NC chief happily took the mic and continued with the lyrics “main aaya, main aaya Shera Waliye” while donning a traditional red colored scarf.
A video of his impromptu singing performance has gone viral on social media, garnering reactions from people who praised his secular ideology.
Watch: Farooq Abdullah sings bhajan
#WATCH | Katra | National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah was seen singing the bhajan ‘Tune Mujhe Bulaya Sherawaliye’ in Katra (23.01) pic.twitter.com/LaRwlHH2rR
— ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2025
During the event, Abdullah expressed support for the residents of Katra in their protest against the ropeway project. “Those managing the shrine’s operations should avoid actions that harm the local population or create difficulties for them,” he stated.
He criticised the construction of the ropeway, asserting that it was undertaken without considering the city’s interests. “You showed courage and fought valiantly to stop it. They now understand that power resides with the people, not the government,” he remarked.
Abdullah highlighted the people’s ability to influence governments, noting that authorities are now consulting with them on the ropeway’s location. He added, “The people living in these hills rely on Mata’s blessings for their livelihood. But they have been overlooked. Those in power believe they are invincible, but they are not. When divine power prevails, everything else diminishes. Just look at what’s happening in California.”
He further observed that the core teachings of all religions are the same, but people often exploit religion for selfish motives.
