Assembly election in J&K should be held soon after LS polls: Azad

STATE TIMES NEWS

ANANTNAG: Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chief Ghulam Nabi Azad on Saturday said Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir should be held soon after the Lok Sabha election as the people of the Union Territory cannot wait anymore.
He also said Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood would be restored.
“We have been waiting for the Assembly polls for years. We hope that the polls take place immediately after the parliamentary election. I think the people of Jammu and Kashmir cannot wait anymore now,” Azad told reporters after a public meeting in the Chittergul area of this south Kashmir district.
The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister, however, described the upcoming visit of Election Commission (EC) officials to the region as “routine”.
“It is the job of the EC to visit states. This is not something new that they are visiting here. The EC starts preparing for elections months before in a state. This is routine,” he said. The former Union minister said Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood would be restored.
He took a dig at National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah over the latter’s remarks on Azad targeting his father, NC president Farooq Abdullah.
Azad said those who go on vacations for months together should not question him.
“I am in my senses 24 hours a day. Only those people do not remain in their senses who have time to take holidays. I do not go on vacations. I do not have time to take a holiday. For the first time in 18 months, I went to Gulmarg for half a day because a meeting was cancelled. Those leaders, who are on vacation for months together, what can they say?” he asked.
Asked about the split in the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), the former Congress leader said it was the concern of the constituent parties and “I have nothing to say about that”.
To a question on whether the split in the PAGD would benefit political parties like the BJP, Azad said people are clever and they understand which party or candidate to vote for.
“So it remains to be seen who will benefit or not benefit from it,” he added.
Asked whether he would contest the Lok Sabha polls, likely to be held in April-May, from the Anantnag-Rajouri seat, Azad said he has not decided yet.
Earlier, addressing a public gathering in Chera Pora Shangus, Anantnag, Azad emphasized the urgent need for the establishment of thermal power projects to address the region’s energy needs effectively.
He also highlighted the critical role of well-maintained roads in facilitating connectivity and fostering socio-economic progress.
In addition to infrastructure concerns, Azad appealed for a reduction in electricity tariffs, advocating for measures to alleviate the financial burden on the local populace.
He stressed the significance of affordable electricity in ensuring the well-being and prosperity of the community.
He reiterated DPAP’s unwavering commitment to championing the interests of the people and pledged to continue advocating for initiatives that prioritize the welfare and progress of Anantnag and its inhabitants.
Azad reminisced about his pivotal role against revocation of Article 370 in Parliament and securing assurances on the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir.
He recalled how he stood as a lone voice in the Parliament, championing the cause of the region while others remained silent.
He emphasized that it was through his relentless efforts and steadfast determination that the government was compelled to provide assurances regarding the reinstatement of statehood for J&K.
He underscored the importance of robust infrastructure in bolstering education and healthcare services across the region.
He denounced divisive slogans of “self-rule” and “autonomy” propagated by other parties, and expressed concern over the misleading nature of slogans that often served to sow discord and division among communities.
He underscored his unwavering stance against such divisive rhetoric, emphasizing the importance of unity and solidarity in fostering progress and development.
Among others present on the occasion included Ch Haroon Khatana Gen Secretary, Zonal President Gulzar Wani, Salman Nizami Chief Spokesperson, Mir Altaf Provincial Gen Secretary, Sujada Bashir Spokesperson, Zameer Ahmed Distt President, Ab Rashid Working Distt President and others.