Excelsior Correspondent
DODA, June 19: Continuing with his tour of Chenab Valley, leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad today held a series of public meetings at Thathri, Kahara, Bhatyas and Gundoh area for expressing gratitude to the people for voting in his favour in a big way in the recently held Parliamentary election.
Addressing the people, Mr Azad said that in the recent elections divisive political forces have succeeded in swaying the minds of people, particularly youngsters, by polarizing the society on religious lines and that these experiments may help one to earn a few electoral victories but the damage to the social harmony can be too deep and lasting.
He said that he will never endorse the politics of opportunism and division, adding that Congress Party has always stood for the promotion of the cherished values of peace, harmony and mutual brotherhood in the society and this agenda of integrating and harmonizing the society will be pursued consistently.
Criticizing the recent statements of NDA Government at the Centre asking the people to be ready for hard economic decisions, he said that the same BJP, prior to elections used to allure people by its tall claims of bringing down inflation overnight, and soon after coming to power, gave first dose of misery to the people of country by effecting a hike in the prices of petrol and diesel, adding that this will have cascading effect on prices of all items.
Azad said United Progressive Alliance (UPA) during its 10 years rule, strictly focused to build infrastructure in every nook and corner of the country and provide liberal financial support to the States. Massive funding was made available to the States for road connectivity and rural electrification under CRF, PMGSY and RGGVY schemes and their impact on the ground has been quite heartening. J&K State has also been extended liberal financial support for power projects, roads, hospitals, schools, colleges, etc under UPA Government.
Azad said that after his entry into State politics, he could observe the “developmental deficit” prevailing in the State and that he worked tirelessly to build infrastructure in all regions and sub-regions of the State without any bias or prejudice, adding that interests of all the sections of the State were kept in consideration.
Describing Chenab Valley as treasure trove of natural resources and quality human resource, he stated that he in his very brief spell of two and a half years as Chief Minister put this region on the track of development and progress. “Though the neglect of decades could not be compensated in a short span of two and half years, yet I draw satisfaction from the fact that a beginning was made,” he said, adding that a process of creating basic infrastructure like power projects, roads, hospitals, schools, colleges, Tourism Development Authorities, etc was taken up vigorously and the results are discernible and encouraging.
He urged the people to strengthen the vote base of Congress Party by ensuring the victory of Congress MLAs to take the State on the path of progress, prosperity and harmony. “I need all 8 seats from Chenab Valley and I am sure we will form the Government in State. If we come to power I promise you all, we will serve the people in the best possible manner and unfold a structure of governance, based on efficiency, transparency and equity” he said while asking people to gear up for the Assembly elections which are likely to be held in November this year.
Mr Azad also inspected the ongoing work of 100 bedded hospital being funded under NRHM at Gundoh. He was accompanied by Mohammad Sharief Niaz MLA Bhaderwah, G M Saroori, MLA Inderwal and Naresh Gupta, MLC.
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