Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday (February 17, 2026) warned that India is facing a major crisis marked by rising fascism, centralisation of power, erosion of truth in public discourse and growing communal divisions, as he called for unity to defend secularism and democracy.
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Addressing a seminar on ‘Secularism, Democracy and Consultative Government’ at the conclusion of the three-day ‘Vision 2031: An International Conference on Development and Democracy’ in Thiruvananthapuram, Dr. Abdullah praised Kerala for upholding religious harmony and inclusive development by “respecting every religion and every human being” and for achieving near-elimination of poverty despite the purported constraints from the Centre.
He expressed concern over the alleged weakening of India’s federal structure. “This is supposed to be a federal country where States have their powers and the Centre has its powers. But today the Centre controls everything, even stepping into areas meant for States,” he said.
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