Reacting to National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah's statement that 'people who vote for Modi should drown themselves in the sea', Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi on Monday said that secularism is in his blood, and maintained that in his eyes, the Abdullah family were the sinners of Kashmir, consistently playing politics for their own gain and quest for power.
"I want to tell Farooq Abdullah, that secularism is in our blood, not just in our Constitution. Ours is a country that worships Mother Nature. Nobody is an outsider here. We consider the whole world as our family, and whole universe as ours. This is our society," said Modi through a handout released by the Gujarat Chief Minister's Office.
He claimed that the biggest attack on secularism happened in Kashmir when Farooq Abdullah's father, Sheikh Abdullah, was the chief minister of the state.
"It happened because of the politics played by your father, Sheikh Abdullah, with you when you were chief minister, and now it is happening under your son, Omar Abdullah's watch. Kashmir is the only state from where (Kashmiri) Pandits were thrown out on the basis of religion. The land of Sufi traditions was painted communal for your personal political gains," he said.
"So, when you say that 'people who vote for Modi should drown themselves in the sea', then, this does not bring you glory. With what face can the people, who drove out Kashmiri Pandits from their homes, give lectures on secularism," he added.
He also warned that votebank politics is dangerous for the country, and added that development-oriented politics is a commitment for him.
"Our agenda is "development for all." We will follow this path irrespective of the statements from the people like Farooq Abdulla. Our car will not be derailed by such statements," the handout from his office quoted him, as saying.
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah had said Sunday that Kashmir will not be a part of India if Modi is voted to power.
Addressing an election rally, Abdullah, who is also Union New and Renewable Energy Minister, said the people of Kashmir wouldn't accept a communal person.
"If it happens, then Kashmir will not remain a part of India. I say it publicly. Kashmiris will not accept a communal person," said Abdullah.
Abdullah also hit out at people who have voted for Modi.
"Those who vote for Modi should drown themselves in the sea," he added.
