Brought all-round development during my rule: Azad

Our Correspondent

Srinagar, February 10

At a time when the BJP and the UT administration are claiming to have ushered in an era of unprecedented developmental in J&K, Democratic Progressive Azad Party president Ghulam Nabi Azad today listed “developmental and progressive works carried out in J&K” during his tenure as the Chief Minister.

Azad went on to say that the “monumental achievements” of his tenure stands unmatched by any previous or subsequent governments. Azad was Chief Minister of J&K from November 2, 2005 to July 11, 2008.

Addressing a public gathering in Akhnoor, Azad said transformative developmental initiatives undertaken during his tenure led to progress achieved across various sectors, setting a benchmark for excellence in governance. The former Chief Minister said thousands of villages were connected with towns and cities, a feat unprecedented in the history of the region.

“Several medical colleges, super-specialty hospitals, district and sub-district hospitals were constructed, significantly improving healthcare accessibility for the citizens,” Azad said, adding this “monumental achievement stands unmatched by any previous or subsequent administrations.”

“The establishment of numerous colleges, high and higher secondary schools, middle and primary schools during my tenure reflects a steadfast commitment to education reform, unparalleled in the state’s history,” the DPAP president said.

“State and central resources were distributed evenly across the state, ensuring equitable development and prosperity for all regions. Stringent measures were implemented to eradicate corruption, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability in governance,” the former Union Minister said.

“Introduction of double and triple shifts in various sectors created a plethora of employment opportunities, bolstering economic growth and prosperity,” he added.

The former Chief Minister said he is committed to the agenda of development and progress in the state. He said his decision to return to state politics stems from a dedicated focus on uplifting the poor people and advancing the cause of development. Azad said his priority was to work for the welfare of the poor and highlight the need to reject politics driven by hate and communalism.

On Parliament passing the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024, adding four communities — Gadda Brahmin, Koli, Paddari Tribe, and Pahari Ethnic Group — to the list of Scheduled Tribes in Jammu and Kashmir, Azad said it was a longstanding demand of the people and “we have always supported them on the condition that the reservation enjoyed by Gujjars and Bakerwals remains untouched.”

Meanwhile, talking to reporters on the sidelines of a public meeting at Garkhal in Pragwal near the International Border on the outskirts of Jammu, Azad — in a veiled attack on the Congress — said if the BJP achieves its target of more than 400 seats in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, the party which failed to lead the Opposition INDIA bloc would be responsible for it.

The former Congress leader thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for conferring Bharat Ratna on his predecessors PV Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh and said they deserved the honours for their outstanding contribution to the country.

(With PTI inputs)

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