Kashmir Shocker: 5 Explosive Revelations from Dulat’s Book That Could Wreck NC’s Credibility

Former R&AW chief A.S. Dulat’s book The Chief Minister and the Spy has stirred political turbulence in Jammu and Kashmir by alleging that Farooq Abdullah was open to supporting the abrogation of Article 370 if consulted. Abdullah has strongly denied the claims, calling them misrepresentations and questioning Dulat’s intent. The controversy exposes the fragile trust between Delhi and Kashmir’s political leadership, while raising critical questions about backchannel diplomacy, political pragmatism, and public disillusionment.

Rival parties like the PDP and Sajad Lone’s outfit are leveraging the moment to undermine the National Conference’s credibility. As the NC grapples with maintaining its pro-autonomy stance amidst accusations of compromise, Dulat’s revelations threaten to reshape narratives ahead of elections and ongoing legal debates. Analysts warn that Kashmir’s politics, rich in symbolism and history, could face further polarization. Ultimately, the fallout highlights the delicate balance between regional assertion and central authority in a deeply fractured political landscape.

Kashmir Shocker: 5 Explosive Revelations from Dulat’s Book That Could Wreck NC’s Credibility

The recent claims in former R&AW chief A.S. Dulat’s book, The Chief Minister and the Spy, have reignited political tensions in Jammu and Kashmir, exposing deep-seated mistrust and conflicting narratives around the 2019 abrogation of Article 370. The controversy underscores the fragile dynamics between Kashmiri leaders, New Delhi, and public perception in a region still grappling with the fallout of constitutional changes. 

The Core Controversy 

Dulat’s book alleges that Farooq Abdullah, National Conference (NC) president and former J&K Chief Minister, privately expressed willingness to help the Indian government legitimize the revocation of Article 370 through the erstwhile state’s legislative assembly—had Delhi consulted him. According to Dulat, Abdullah lamented, “Why were we not taken into confidence?” and hinted at his capacity to sway political outcomes. The book also claims Delhi tasked Dulat in 2020 to persuade Abdullah, then under house arrest, to avoid public criticism of the abrogation post-release—a request Abdullah purportedly accepted, limiting his remarks to Parliament.  

Farooq Abdullah has vehemently denied these assertions, calling them “inaccurate” and questioning Dulat’s motives: “A friend can’t write like this.” He invoked the British Royal Family’s response to controversial biographies—“recollections may vary”—to underscore his disapproval. Meanwhile, rival parties like the PDP and Sajad Lone’s Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference have seized the moment to accuse Abdullah of complicity, alleging he prioritized political survival over defending J&K’s autonomy. 

Contextualizing the Claims 

The abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which stripped J&K of its special status and statehood, remains a polarizing issue. The NC, historically advocating for Kashmiri autonomy, passed a resolution for greater self-rule in 2000 with a two-thirds majority—a fact Abdullah emphasizes to deflect accusations of betrayal. Dulat’s portrayal of Abdullah as a pragmatic leader willing to collaborate with Delhi contrasts with the NC’s public stance, creating a paradox that opponents are eager to exploit. 

Key Questions Raised:  

• Credibility of Backchannel Diplomacy: Dulat, known for his role in backchannel negotiations during the Vajpayee era, highlights the opaque nature of Kashmir’s political dealings. His account reveals Delhi’s reliance on intermediaries to manage dissenting voices, raising ethical concerns about transparency.  

• Political Survival vs. Principle: Abdullah’s alleged remark—“I will always be with whoever is in power in Delhi”—paints a picture of a leader balancing regional aspirations with pragmatic alliances. Critics argue this undermines the NC’s legitimacy as a champion of Kashmiri rights.  

• Public Perception: For many Kashmiris, the NC’s conciliatory approach post-2019 has been viewed with suspicion. Dulat’s claims risk deepening this distrust, particularly among youth disillusioned with mainstream politics. 

Political Repercussions 

The timing of Dulat’s revelations is critical. With the NC part of the INDIA bloc and Omar Abdullah leading the charge for Article 370’s restoration, the controversy could weaken their position ahead of potential elections. The PDP’s sharp critique—“betrayal of J&K’s constitution”—aims to erode the NC’s voter base, positioning itself as the authentic voice of Kashmiri aspirations. Meanwhile, Sajad Lone’s party, often seen as aligned with the BJP, gains ammunition to critique the NC’s “double standards.” 

Expert Insights 

Political analysts suggest the fallout hinges on three factors:  

• Legal Battles: With Article 370’s constitutionality under Supreme Court review, any perception of NC’s ambivalence could influence public sentiment during verdict deliberations.  

• Electoral Calculus: The NC must reconcile its historic legacy with accusations of compromise. As journalist Basharat Masood notes, “Kashmir’s politics thrives on symbolism—Abdullah’s every word will now be dissected.”  

• Delhi’s Strategy: Dulat’s account hints at New Delhi’s playbook to co-opt regional leaders, a tactic that risks backlash if seen as heavy-handed. 

The Road Ahead 

The controversy underscores a broader dilemma: Can Kashmiri leaders navigate Delhi’s political demands while retaining grassroots credibility? For Abdullah, the path forward involves reaffirming the NC’s commitment to autonomy without appearing obstructionist. For Delhi, the challenge lies in addressing Kashmiri alienation through dialogue rather than detention.  

As the debate unfolds, one truth remains evident—Kashmir’s political landscape remains a tinderbox, where words from a spy’s memoir can spark fires that outlast the pages they’re printed on. The real test lies in whether these revelations will deepen divides or catalyze a more honest reckoning with history.