‘They amassed properties, served relatives’
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Mar 9: Former Chief Minister and Chairman of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), Ghulam Nabi Azad, today stated that the people of J&K want leaders who empathize with them, rather than those who have solely worked to fulfill their own interests.
Addressing a public gathering in Cherpora Shangus in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, Azad said that the people need leaders whose voices are heard by the entire country and who work round the clock for public welfare.
“J&K is facing a number of issues, be it unemployment or other issues, and amid that, we need efficient Parliament members whose voices are heard by the country and those who will work to ease out the hardships faced by the people,” he said.
Azad noted that people have seen leaders who have only amassed properties, served their relatives, friends, and those who help them in elections, “but the poor people of J&K are still there, suffering for daily needs.”
Going further, the former Chief Minister said that J&K needs to have a Government that will work 18 hours a day.
Click here to watch video
“We don’t need those who are always on the go, who are found in America (USA), England, Delhi—doing what pleases them for their recreation. We need those who will work; visit villages and cities and those who feel for people, we need those MLAs, such Ministers. We don’t need people who are only concerned about serving their interests; we need people who will do public service,” he said.
Azad stressed that there is a need for change which, he said, will be brought about “by the people of Kashmir; and the educated youth.”
Criticizing the political parties for failing to raise issues of the people of J&K in the Parliament, Azad said: “They should be asked if they have talked about Kashmir in the Parliament, or raised their voice for the people. They have only done it for their interests.”
He later also talked to the media persons on the sidelines of the event during which he said that the apparent end of the PAGD will not have an effect on the political scenario of J&K.
He also stated that the Statehood will be restored, while noting that he was the only one who spoke about it, demanding the restoration of the Statehood for J&K in the Parliament.
“Statehood will be restored; I have spoken for the restoration of Statehood in the Parliament, other parties didn’t even speak on 370. They are making an issue of it here, but where they should have spoken, they didn’t; there is nothing on record,” he said.
On a question regarding breaking of PAGD and its effects, Azad said that it is hard to discuss who will be benefited, however, he noted: “People are more cautious and know who to vote for. In politics, every party has a right to fight elections. It won’t affect the political scenario.”
But, he emphasized that there are political parties in Delhi and in J&K, which, he said, want only their sustenance and do not want any other party to jump in. “Such parties are affected when a new party comes in, however, when they are in power, they can tie up with any party they want.”
On the conduct of Assembly elections in J&K, Azad said that he is hopeful of the same right after the culmination of the Lok Sabha elections.
“We have been hoping for the conduct of the Assembly elections for the last 6 years; now, after some time, right after the Parliamentary election, the Assembly election should be held,” he said.
While commenting on the current setup functioning without the elected representatives, Azad said, “We are currently going against the Constitution by having the officers discharge the duties of the elected representatives.”
Follow our WhatsApp channel
