Excelsior Correspondent
Banihal, Nov 19: Striking an emotional chord with the people in support of Congress party candidates in the ongoing Assembly elections, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad today said that his party was fighting against divisive and exploitive forces, which are hell bent to destroy love and harmony.
Such divisive forces be it at State or national level cannot ensure development of all the three regions of the State. It is only and only Congress party which can carry along the hopes and aspirations of the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions of the State, he further said.
Addressing largely attended public gatherings in higher reaches of Chenab Valley including Sumar, Mangit, Kunda, Hochak (Pogal) and Neel, Congress stalwart, Ghulam Nabi Azad said that the BJP is trying to hoodwink the people on false promises. He pointed out that voting for fundamental forces would be catastrophic for the people of the State.
Drawing a distinction between the Congress ideology and that of the BJP, he said his party stood for a healthy democracy while the latter was clouded with hatred. “Today, our society stands at a crossroads. The Congress ideology and vision will continue to take us towards a healthy, free democracy open to the light of change and transformation. Their vision, clouded with hatred and falsehood, their ideology, divisive and autocratic, will drive us to the ruination of our Hindustaniyat,” Mr Azad said.
Seeking mandate of the people to accelerate developmental activities in remotest and far-flung areas, Mr Azad said that Congress was committed to counter and defeat divisive forces tooth and nail and would always work for development of all the three regions of the State irrespective of any caste, colour or religion.
He reminded the people about various developmental projects which were started during his tenure as Chief Minister for the development of this region. “Many projects are still incomplete”, he said and sought support of the people to finish incomplete projects to improve their socio-economic conditions.
He highlighted that during his short tenure as Chief Minister of the State, he ensured new districts for Ramban and Kishtwar out of erstwhile Doda district. “If you see road activities in remote areas, if you avail health facilities in your home towns, if you send your wards in schools set up in your own home villages, it is all due to concerted and consistent efforts of Congress party in past 12 years. If you want developmental activities to continue in the same pace, then you must ensure thundering win of Congress candidates,” he added.
“It was our party that ushered an era of peace and development in Jammu and Kashmir. It was Congress that created Ladakh Autonomous Hill Council. We swiftly acted on the recommendations of Baloria Commission and created districts and tehsils, niyabats so that every area have its share of progress,” he said.
Mr Azad said that Congress strives for the equitable development of all the regions of the State without taking into consideration the vote bank politics. He said that Jammu and Kashmir witnessed visible development during the Congress Government. “Roads in far flung areas like Banihal, Ramban, Doda, Gool, Bhaderwah, Kishtwar, Inderwal, Bandipora, Ladakh, Kargil, Gurez and Tangdar were constructed and macadamized, bridges were built, schools and colleges were constructed, hospitals, health centres, Medical Colleges, were opened. Our actions speak louder than our words. We believe in delivering, not just making false and hollow promises,” he said.
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