National Conference (NC) leader Farooq Abdullah participated in a religious event in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, where he was seen singing a bhajan in Hindi. The 87-year-old former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister joined in the popular bhajan “Tune Mujhe Bulaya Sherawaliye” at the base camp for the Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage on Thursday.
Abdullah, wearing a traditional red scarf, was handed a microphone by a fellow participant and immediately continued with the lyrics “Main Aaya, Main Aaya Sherawaliye.” The video of his impromptu performance quickly went viral, sparking reactions from netizens.
During the event, Abdullah voiced his support for the residents of Katra, who have been protesting against a proposed ropeway project. He criticised the project, stating it was initiated without considering the local community’s interests.
“The people managing the shrine should avoid actions that cause harm to the local population,” Abdullah said. He applauded the residents for their successful efforts in opposing the project, asserting that their resistance proved that power lies with the people, not the government.
Abdullah also emphasised the importance of people’s influence on governments and pointed out that authorities have now sought input on the location of the ropeway.
He further remarked on the significance of Mata’s blessings in the livelihoods of those living in the region, highlighting the need for their concerns to be addressed by the authorities. The former CM also said that the core teachings of all religions are the same, though they are often exploited by individuals with selfish motives.