'Haven't Come To J-K Looking For A Job': Ghulam Nabi Azad Quashes 'Rumours' On Being Next LG
The former Congress leader stated that he was not searching for work and instead wants to serve the people of J-K.
Former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad declared on Sunday that he is not interested in becoming the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, putting to rest "rumours" about his intentions, news agency PTI reported. The former Congress leader stated that he was not searching for work and instead wants to serve the people of J-K. Addressing a gathering to commemorate the foundation day of his Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), Azad stated: “I will request people not to trust the rumour mills which are working in overdrive…. There is a fresh rumour here that Ghulam Nabi Azad is going to be the next LG. I have not come (to JK) looking for a job, I want to serve the people."
Azad said that certain people were attempting to create the idea that he was seeking rehabilitation.
“When I came here in 2005 (as chief minister), I left two prized (Union) ministries – Housing and Urban Development and Parliamentary Affairs – to serve the people. It was not as if I was without work,” he said pointing to the accusations that he returned to JK politics at the BJP's request.
Azad stated that unemployment and inflation are two major issues confronting Jammu and Kashmir, which he hopes to address by capitalising on the region's tourist potential.
“Inflation is on the rise. It is true that inflation is not specific to India. Europe has the highest inflation but they have other means to tackle it. We are a poor state. Unemployment is on the rise. There are no jobs. Government is advertising posts but interviews are not held. Educated youth have no jobs and their parents have exhausted their savings on their education,” he was quoted by PTI in its report.
Tourism, according to the former chief minister, has the capacity to offer a living for people from all walks of life.
“One Tulip Garden (which was made in 2007) has provided livelihood to thousands of people. As CM, I had a plan to develop 10 to 12 tourist locations in each district of Jammu and Kashmir. I had plans of providing loans to people for setting up homestay facilities which could provide earning opportunities to them,” he added.
Azad called the Centre's repeal of Articles 370 and 35A in 2019 a "great mistake."
“There were some political mistakes over many years which have pushed the state backwards, instead of going forward. In the last nine years, another great mistake was made - Article 370 and Article 35A were removed. Article 35A, subsequently Article 35B, was not promulgated after Independence. It was brought by the Maharaja (Hari Singh) in 1925. I said this in Parliament that had the BJP known that they would not have touched Article 370 and Article 35A. This mistake pushed us further back. There was an uncertainty whether the land will stay with us or not,” he added.
Azad requested that party leaders refrain from making personal assaults on opponents.
"I have said earlier also that we were subjected to a political fraud but why should I comment on someone's appearance?” he said.
He sought the death punishment for anyone implicated in the Jammu and Kashmir narcotics cartel.
“Drug abuse has become a major problem. Many people have become millionaires by dealing in drugs. They should be hanged to death,” he said.
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