Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 5: PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said today that her party will continue to work for development and welfare of the people of Jammu and Kashmir whether it was in power or not.
“The welfare and development of the people and the State is our top priority. This was the vision of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed also. We will continue to follow his path and work for the people,” Mehbooba said addressing the meeting of senior party leaders from Jammu including legislators and office bearers.
Such a meeting was earlier scheduled for February 3 but was cancelled. It was convened today.
“Whether we are in the Government or not, our priority will remain welfare of the people,” Mehbooba said.
Pointing out that present political impasse in the State has nothing to do with finances from the Central Government, the PDP president told the party leaders that the State needed a Government with ideology of constructive politics to bridge the regional gaps and ensure stability.
“The Government should work on reconciliation and integration,” she commented.
Mehbooba said that funds from the Centre were never an issue and it was because of this, the State could start series of developmental works and improve infrastructure during the tenure of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.
“There was no problem with flow of funds. We carried out development during 10 months of coalition Government due to flow of funds,” she remarked.
Mehbooba said the new Government needs to have goodwill as enjoyed by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.
She said the PDP will soon launch membership drive all across the State and she would personally tour various parts for the purpose.
Recalling how Mufti Mohammad Sayeed preferred public service and principles over power, Mehbooba said that her party will work with renewed vigor to carry forward the vision of peace and development that the great leader has left behind as a practical and inclusive agenda for resolving the issues facing Jammu and Kashmir.
“Our party patron has left no assets in property but his legacy of the more than half a century of public service comprise his ideas and the party that he established to give democracy its real competitive edge”, she said.
“We will have to strengthen our roots, go to the masses and carry forward that mission with renewed vigor, zeal and enthusiasm, which will be the biggest tribute to the great leader”, she said, adding that Mufti Sayeed not only changed the dynamics of politics but set new benchmarks in governance itself.
“Though during the political carrier of around half a century he (Mufti) remained in power for only 10 to 12 years he set new standards of transparency and accountability”, she said adding, “right from the day he became a Minister in a young age in 1965 Mufti Sahab chose a path for himself.
He gave new direction to the concept of being a political representative and devoted his entire life for the welfare of masses”.
“He remained Chief Minister for only three years before 2015 but his Government outshined all previous regimes by providing relief to the common masses. The achievements on political, economic and development fronts during his just three year tenure as Chief Minister have no match in the political history of Jammu and Kashmir.
“His service to the State is judged today by his work, determination and performance and not by the years he held power”, she said adding that was why the 2002-2005 tenure is still considered to be golden era of Jammu and Kashmir. He is known for his performance, sincerity, accountability, transparency and delivery, she said while recalling how he kept working despite ailing health and doctors’ advice during the last nine months.
“We were part of Congress when Mufti Sahab decided to form a new party in order to provide a regional alternate to the people. We were comfortable within the largest political party of the country but he (Mufti) sacrificed power for the interest of people”.
“Mufti Sahib always preferred principles over power and it will remain a guiding code for us”, she further said.
She said Mufti Sayeed was first to present the concept of Jammu as an independent tourist destination and has infact laid down a blue print for diversifying tourist activities which have so far remained confined to pilgrimage.
“He was keen to see immediate progress on various projects including expansion of Jammu airport, construction of Mubarak Mandi heritage complex, artificial Tawi lake, development of tourism infrastructure on Ranjeet Sagar, Baglihar and Dul Hasti dams”.
Speaking on the occasion Member Parliament and senior party leader Muzaffar Hussain Baig said that the demise of Mufti Sahib has created a void not only within the party but in the entire sub-continent.
“He has, however, left behind a force and an organization to reckon with. He recalled the struggle the party leadership went through when the decision to launch PDP was taken.
Baig said that demise of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, that too at this crucial juncture, has no doubt saddened the common people and party workers but at the same time “we are fortunate to have a leader like Mehbooba Mufti at the driving seat.
Former Minister and Member Legislative Council Naeem Akhtar also spoke on the occasion and elaborated the vision and policies of the party. he also highlighted the challenges for the party ahead and said that the late leader has set new benchmarks in the politics as well as in governance.
Follow our WhatsApp channel