All assumptions: Azad on speculations of nomination to Vice President’s post
Jammu, Jul 24: Chairman Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) and former chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Thursday described the “reports” about his nomination for the post of Vice President as “mere conjectures” and asked people of J&K and media not to “peddle such rumours.”
With regard to J&K statehood, the former union minister asserted that it would be restored, but it would be in the interest of everyone if it were restored as early as possible.
Azad was responding to media queries in Reasi, where he, along with other party leaders, had gone to pay condolences to a DPAP leader, Rehana Anjum, at her residence on the demise of her father.
“Jammu and Kashmir is full of virtues. The place is unique because of its amazing and distinctive characteristics, including natural splendour. No wonder it is called the “paradise on earth.” But at the same time, rumours also fly thick and fast here. Therefore, it is my request to the people and media here to put rumours to zero and focus on constructive works,” the former chief minister said, smilingly, when confronted with a query about ‘reports’ in political circles vis-à-vis his possible nomination to the post of the Vice President of India, which has fallen vacant after the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar.
“We have to work on statehood (restoration), development and tackling unemployment. We have to address these challenges. Who has the time to focus on such rumours or make conjectures? But rumour-mill keeps on churning – making conjectures - one day projecting a particular person on a particular post and the other day, he (or she) is rumoured to be replaced by someone else. This goes on. We should not channelise our energy on conjectures,” he said.
When his comments were elicited on Article 370, the DPAP chairman said that it was entirely a different issue.
“See, statehood and Article 370 are two different matters. The immediate issue is that of statehood. On Article 370, I’ve already spoken my mind in unambiguous terms in the Parliament. Every one of you, to be precise, the entire India heard it. Even after some time, when I visited Kashmir, I aired my viewpoint again on this issue. Many people even took offence at those views and also got angry with me. I had stated that Article 370 could be restored only if (PM) Modiji would bring a new bill, which would not happen, or it’s the Supreme Court which could do it (restore). It has been four years since then. Both things did not happen,” Azad recalled.
With regard to statehood, he stated that for development and the state’s progress, it was imperative.
“Moreover, statehood (restoration) is not an issue related to Hindus or Muslims, Kashmiris or non-Kashmiris. This issue concerns every party, religion and region. Statehood is vital and beneficial for everyone – be it a BJP man from Jammu or an NC activist from Kashmir or those from Congress or PDP; be it Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or Christian. It will serve everyone’s interest,” the former union minister said.
He also reminisced his statement in the Parliament on this issue.
“I would reiterate what I had stated in the Parliament. When I was the Union Minister of State for Home, I had recommended three UTs for elevation to States. But in my entire political life spanning over fifty years, I unfortunately saw my State being downgraded to a Union Territory (UT). That was weird – an unfortunate incident. However, I extend my gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister that in response to these points raised by me during discussion in the Parliament, they had admitted it and promised the restoration of statehood,” Azad recalled.
He exuded confidence that, in the backdrop of those promises (by PM and HM), statehood would be restored to J&K.
“I’m fully convinced that statehood will be restored. But it will be better if it is restored as early as possible. Sooner it is done, the better it will be,” he said.
Azad said he was disappointed to see declining bonhomie among politicians of different parties.
