ABSTRACT
The chapter examines the role of Sheikh Abdullah as the leader of the National Conference from 1939 to 1947. Why did the Sheikh fail to attract a considerable number of non-Muslims to join his reoriented organization? Why did he come under sharp criticism from his own constituency, Kashmiri Muslims? Why did the revived Muslim Conference fail to capitalize on the growing discontentment against the Sheikh? What caused the discord between Abdullah and Jinnah? What was the nature and impact of the New Kashmir Manifesto? Why did the Sheikh launch the Quit Kashmir movement, and what was its overall impact on the Kashmir politics on the eve of Partition? These are the main questions dealt with in this chapter.
