Thackeray is not thinking about India: Farooq Abdullah

The unexpected head of the New and Renewable Energy Ministry, Farooq Abdullah minces no words when it comes to the Valley or Thackerays` politics.

He is known for being flamboyant and out-spoken on the most sensitive of issues. Now the unexpected head of the New and Renewable Energy ministry at the Centre, Dr Farooq Abdullah still minces no words when it comes to the Valley or the politics of Thackerays or the official stand on India-Pakistan talks.

In an exclusive interview to Swati Chaturvedi on Kahiye Janab, Abdullah reveals his stand on the politics of Marathi Manoos as well as his regret at not fighting the 2002 J&K election. Excerpts:Swati: You are the Minister for New and Renewable Energy in UPA-II. What are your goals and priorities? Farooq: As far as my ministry goes, the first priority is to take power to the house holds which haven’t seen any in the last 60 years. Then we would like to reduce dependence on fossil fuels like coal, oil etc and replace them with renewable sources of energy like wind, solar, hydro etc. This will be our contribution towards global warming reduction, cutting costs and taking electricity to remote areas efficiently. For example in Ladakh, we spend Rs 1200cr on diesel in one year. If we can cut that cost then it will be a big contribution. Swati: But what about the controversy around IPCC chief RK Pachauri and his climate change report? Farooq: Controversies exist everywhere. People speak ill of Pachauri due to his Nobel Peace Prize and the tremendous contribution he is making towards saving our planet. As far as the glacier controversy goes, it is true that they are receding fast. I am a resident of a snowy region and I can see the effect of warming on glaciers. The glacier at Sonmarg has receded so much that you have to climb a hill to see it. Will our future generations not inherit these natural wonders? When I recently saw River Jhelum, I couldn’t believe my eyes. There was no water and kids were playing cricket on the river bed. Where did the water go? Global warming is for all to see. Swati: But it seems there is a contradiction within the Government on this issue… Farooq: See, assessments may be wrong but our forests, rivers are indeed diminishing. It doesn’t rain when it should and the seasons just don’t measure up to the old days anymore. At this time, there should be heavy snow in the Valley but it is not there…this all the visible impact of warming and differences in research can not alter that truth.Swati: What is your stand on the ‘Mumbai for all Indians’ issue? Farooq: Let the leaders work out their problems mutually as there are senior people on both side of this debate. Leaders like these survive on controversies. Some are creating controversies for voter appeasement. They don’t really think about the country in this case; its just vote bank politics. But my job, as a Central minister, will be to provide energy to all part of the country, regardless of the political climate. Attacks on film stars like Shah Rukh Khan are unfortunate. Actors are soft targets; why don’t the Sainiks say anything to P Chidambaram for restarting the dialogue process with Pakistan? Their mental balance is not right. They are trying to divide people on regional and communal lines. If they think all Muslims are terrorists then I am the biggest one! Hang me! I humbly request Bal Thackeray to give this all up now. We have to live together. It was the Britishers who divided us; we should not continue that legacy any more. Swati: The kind of politics being seen on Cricket, the religion of South Asia, was it possible two decades back? Farooq: I don’t understand what is wrong with letting Pakistani players play in India. We also had differences with Bangladesh but never stopped playing with them and the problems are now on way to resolution with that country. My wish is to have such an open system, that one may easily take the road to Karachi, Afghanistan etc. We should open up our hearts. Indian heart is the biggest one in the world. Swati: Why is the government now restarting talks with Pakistan? Farooq: The condition that we will not talk until the culprits of 26/11 Mumbai attacks are brought to justice by Pakistan is a bit irrational. The case is in their court and that will take its own time. This stand is only strengthening the enemies of both countries. We should resume dialogue to prevent that from happening. Chidambaram will now carry the torch of peace and brotherhood to Pakistan. After all, we can not change our neighbours. PM Vajpayee said the same thing when he visited the Indo-Pak border. We want peace now. Kashmir has died because of terror and animosity. How long can we go on tolerating this?Swati: Before joining the Cabinet, it was rumored that you wanted to become the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir… Farooq: Its not true. If I had wanted to become the CM, why would I have decided not to contest the state elections in 2002? In hind sight, I have realized that decision was a mistake. It cost my party National Conference as we lost the polls. I should have fought the elections- though not be the CM. I would have passed on the baton any way. I couldn’t just fight any longer- young blood was urgently needed to lead the way for youngsters of J&K. Swati: After a year in office, what do you think about Omar Abdullah’s performance? He is an emotional guy… Farooq: Emotions rule when you are young and with experience more wisdom sets in. But Omar was just acting on the reports provided by his officers of police, administration and other staff. He had to trust them as they were his men on the ground. He merely reacted to those reports. But I am glad he has had to face political barbs early on in office. This is the fire that will turn him into gold. Swati: Do you advise him? Farooq: No, that is not my job. Omar has to make his own decisions and I will observe them from afar. The person in the middle of a whirlpool knows best how to deal with it. But I am satisfied with his performance. I pray to God to give him more success. Hope we- Centre, people- are able to help him take out J&K from out of crisis. Adaptation: Shashank Chouhan