Leaders oppose any tie-up with Cong
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 19: As National Conference president and former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah today called for strengthening secularism and brotherhood and bridging differences between Jammu and Kashmir regions, senior leaders of the party from Jammu region strongly opposed any alliance with Congress in future saying the party has always dodged the NC.
Dr Abdullah was addressing a meeting the National Conference functionaries after reviewing working of the party at district and block level in the aftermath of the District Development Council (DDC) elections at the NC headquarters Sher-i-Kashmir Bhawan.
NC provincial president Devender Singh Rana and senior party leaders were present.
The National conference initially had alliance with Congress in first two phases of the DDC elections but had terminated the tie-up after a senior Congress leader in New Delhi made a statement that Congress wasn’t part of People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD).
Insiders told the Excelsior that majority of senior leaders of the National Conference, who spoke in the meeting in presence of Dr Abdullah, strongly opposed any kind of alliance with the Congress saying such a tie-up has always harmed National Conference politically.
They were of the view that the Congress had created chaos and confusion in the DDC elections.
“Dr Abdullah patiently listened to the views of the party leaders but didn’t commit anything,” insiders said.
On results and formation of majority in the DDCs, insiders said, Dr Abdullah was of the view that they had contested the DDC polls in large perspective to show to the world that the National Conference existed and added: “we have proved this”.
Dr Abdullah said a mass outreach programme would be undertaken across Jammu and Kashmir to galvanize the party at the grassroots level.
He exhorted the cadre across the Union Territory to remain steadfast in their resolve of serving people and strengthening bonds of inclusiveness.
Dr Abdullah said “All eyes are watching how National Conference has emerged as a big political force in Jammu and Kashmir in its own right.”
He was referring to the recently held District Development Council elections, which saw the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) sweeping the polls by winning 110 seats. The NC is a constituent of the PAGD.
Dr Abdullah said the massive support despite numerous challenges is reflective of the deep faith of the people in the National Conference, which has met the challenges with courage and fortitude.
“The strength of the party emanates from the people at ground zero and there is a need to channelize this support for the betterment of the people, irrespective of caste, creed, region or religion,” he said.
“A big mass outreach would be undertaken across Jammu and Kashmir to galvanize the party at the grassroots level,” the NC chief said.
Dr Abdullah said the NC has all along cherished the great values of the pluralistic ethos that has actually been a binding force between the regions and religions.
“This spirit has not only to be sustained but promoted in a big way to keep at bay the divisive forces,” he said.
The former Chief Minister said the people are the real fountain of power and the power is not to rule but to serve humanity.
“This has been the core of our political philosophy,” he added.
Dr Abdullah complimented the people in general and the party cadre in particular for their commitment to the secular ethos and hoped that this glorious tradition will continue to inspire the generations.
He said unity in diversity is the real strength of Jammu and Kashmir. “This is what has seen us overcome all the challenges.”
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