Why don’t NC, PDP raise autonomy, self -rule slogans now: Azad

Srinagar, Mar 10: Stating that regional parties exploited the people for years, Chairman Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) Ghulam Nabi Azad today asked the leaders of National Conference (NC) and PDP as to why they do not raise their slogans of autonomy and self rule now.

According to a press release, he was addressing a public meeting at Kokernag. “The regional parties exploited the people for years by raising slogans like autonomy and self-rule. While the MPs of these regional parties remained silent on the matter, I actively protested in Parliament against revocation of Article 370. Why do not NC and PDP now raise these slogans? They fooled the people, enjoyed power, and caused the deaths of innocent people," Azad said.

He reiterated his commitment to champion the cause of people and ensuring their voices are heard on the national level. Azad stressed the need for unity, cautioning that these parties may ally with anyone for power but will not do justice to the people. They will only use and exploit the voters, he added.

The DPAP Chairman revealed a personal connection, with South Kashmir stating. 'My grandfather was originally was from Kokernag. We moved to Doda, but there is a special connection between us. Let us rebuild that relationship. Anantnag has always been in my heart. I have established a medical college, degree college, hospitals, and schools here. I want to do even more for this district, especially for Kokernag. Give me a chance to serve,” Azad said.

He highlighted his efforts in granting land rights to the poor through the Roshni scheme. The former Chief Minister emphasised that when the government attempted to seize the land, he was the sole voice to speak up, halting the bulldozers. Additionally, he promised to restore the Roshni scheme if elected to power. Azad further stressed the urgency of tackling unemployment, promising to address the issue once elected to power. He emphasized the importance of providing loans to those who are not highly educated, enabling them to start businesses and earn a livelihood.

Azad expressed regret over not being able to complete his term as Chief Minister . He remarked that if given the chance, he would have sanctioned more tourism projects to harness this potential. Azad promised to provide free electricity for the poor and pledged to focus on building roads, hospitals, and furthering development in triple shifts. He expressed concern over the burden of electricity bills on the people, especially the poor, and appealed to the government to reduce the bills for those in need.