Only Cong can ensure equitable, balanced development in J&K: Azad

Excelsior Correspondent
DODA/BHADERWAH, Nov 5: Seeking decisive mandate of the people to implement revolutionary policies of the Congress in Jammu and Kashmir, Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today said that only Congress can ensure equitable and balanced development in all the regions and sub-regions of the State.
He said that Congress has proved how to accelerate developmental activities in the backward and neglected areas like Chenab Valley.
Addressing series of public meetings at Doda and Bhaderwah in support of party candidates Abdul Majid Wani and Mohammad Sharief Naiz, Mr Azad said that credit goes only to Congress for bringing neglected Chenab Valley region on the developmental map of the State.
“Before 2002 Chenab Valley region remained neglected and marginalized for decades together due to the discriminatory policies propagated by the successive State Governments. After 1947, it was only after 2002 that this region was brought on the developmental map and a comprehensive policy was formulated for the overall growth of this region”, he said and added that every sector be it road network, health, education, tourism, etc were improved due to sincere efforts of Congress Party.
Although Congress has sincerely worked for the development of this region but lot more needs to be done for Chenab Valley, he said and called upon the people to vote Congress candidates in the coming Assembly elections to give new push to developmental activities in Chenab Valley.
Urging the people of Chenab Valley to maintain similar unity and togetherness which they have shown since 2002, Azad said that enemies of Chenab Valley are unnerved by the progress which the people of this region have seen during the Congress rule, that is why, planned and systematic efforts are being made to divide them on the basis of region and religion.
He also mentioned decision of the UPA Government to open medical college at Doda. “Opening of medical college at Doda would help in providing advanced health facilities to the residents of Chenab Valley at their door steps”, he said.
Referring to the development of Bhaderwah, which has been his constituency as Chief Minister, Azad said that while many developmental initiatives have been taken by him to improve and upgrade the developmental profile of Bhaderwah since 2002, as Union Health Minister he also approved setting up of National Institute of Medicinal Plants under 12th Plan and J&K Government has conveyed the availability of land and other formalities to the Health Ministry. However, NDA Government at Centre is delaying its execution on flimsy pretexts.
He also highlighted achievements of the UPA Government especially revolutionary steps taken by the Government to improve socio-economic conditions of the people living below poverty line. He regretted that revolutionary Food Security Act, which was implemented all over the country, was not extended in J&K due to political reasons.
In the function at Doda, former Inspector General of Police, P R Manhas, who belongs to Khellani area of Bhaderwah constituency and Attaullah Khan, founder member of PDP joined Congress.

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