‘Mixing politics with religion big cancer for country’
*Whatsapp, Twitter don’t produce grass-root leaders
Excelsior Correspondent
DODA, Dec 1: Cautioning that mixing politics with religion is great cancer for the Indian democracy, former Union Minister and Democratic Azad Party (DAP) Chairman, Ghulam Nabi Azad today said that he has come back to J&K from the national politics, to lessen the sufferings of his own people and accomplish unfinished agenda.
Addressing a large public rally at Udainpur in district Doda today, Azad said he served Congress Party since his youth days while studying in Srinagar College. ” I have worked with Late Indira Gandhi, P Narsimaha Rao, Rajiv Gandhi and others and also remained minister several times. I gave thousand times to the party and served in several states like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab. I went wherever party sent me at the times of crisis. I gave my blood and sweat to the party. But decided to quit after observing that this party had deviated from its core principles as laid down by Gandhi and Nehru,” Azad observed.
“After the abrogation of Article 370, the sufferings of the people of J&K have increased. During my visits to various parts of J&K, I found that there was no development or new projects launched anywhere. The projects which we had launched during two and half years tenure in 2006-08 had also abandoned. There is no work for the labourer class. No jobs for educated unemployed youth. Daily wagers are on the roads. No construction of roads, schools, college, hospital buildings. These circumstances led to think me to return to state politics and serve my people during my left over years,” Azad maintained.
“I will act as `doctor’ for you. A doctor lessens the pain of the patients by treating ailments. I will try to lessen your sufferings as I know about your ailment (problems),” Azad remarked.
Referring to the massive development ensured during his two and half years tenure as Chief Minister in J&K, Azad said many projects which were launched during his tenure have been either shelved or abandoned by the previous regime. ” I wished to accomplish my unfinished agenda/works and for this I need the massive support of my people,” Azad maintained.
The DAP leader said that today’s leaders wish to get `chair’ through short cut. They prefer to remain on facebook, twitter and whattsapp. But they should realise that these modes do not produce mass base leaders. For this, one has to remain in the public and meet them at each nook and corner. “Since I have developed habit of meeting people and visit different areas, I continue to do it even today. The people will give you vote only if you visit them and maintain close relationship,” Azad added.
Cautioning people against mixing politics with religion, the former Chief Minister said that this is more dangerous than the cancer for the democratic country like India. This is worst than the cancer. The cancer kills only one person who is suffering from it but exploiting people on the basis of religion and engineering divide in society, adopt favouritism while issuing party tickets and ensure development only in the selective areas is more dangerous than the cancer. He cautioned the political parties to avoid such tactics as it is much dangerous for Indian democracy.
DAP Chairman said that he will continue to fight on the political front to ensure statehood restored to Jammu and Kashmir and besides protection of land and job rights. He said that for lasting peace and stability, his party will create diverse employment opportunities for the youths if it gets into power after elections.
“As long as employment and economic opportunities are not created, the youth will continue to feel dejected. We have substantial youth population and we need to tap their energy positively for the growth of the country,” he said.
Azad, urged the Union Government to fulfil its commitment of restoring the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir besides ensuring the jobs and land is secured for local populace.
“Our agenda is pro-people and we will ensure the people of Jammu and Kashmir are empowered with socioeconomic rights,” he said.
Azad concluded the three day Chenab valley tour today. During his tour of the valley he met hundreds of people and apprised them about the party agenda. Hundreds of people joined his party in Chenab Valley.
He assured the people of Chenab region that he will not ignore them and the region will emerge as an epicentre of economic activities if his party secures the win in elections whenever they take place.
“Chenab valley is living in my heart and it is my home. It will emerge as a role model for the whole country if my party comes into power,” he maintained.
Among others who addressed the public meeting included former ministers GM Saroori and Abdul Majid Wani, former MLC Naresh Gupta, senior leader Aslam Goni and others.
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