Srinagar, Sept 26: Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad on Thursday challenged other political parties to compare their developmental achievements with those from his tenure.
Addressing gatherings in Gurez, he expressed his astonishment at the failure of political leaders who have ruled the region for years to provide basic services. “I am surprised that despite their long tenure, these parties could not deliver anything of substance. The roads, electricity, hospitals, and colleges that exist today were established under my leadership as Chief Minister and Union Health Minister. They have done nothing for the people,” Azad said. “Now, they are attempting to fool the people once again for votes.”
The former chief minister further challenged these parties to showcase their developmental work in Gurez and other regions, where people continue to suffer from a lack of basic facilities. “If they have truly worked for the people, I urge them to come forward and present the progress they claim to have made. The reality is that people are still facing hardships, and it is time to hold these parties accountable for their years of neglect,” he said.
He warned the people not to be exploited again by false promises and slogans. “Those who live in palaces and have won elections from here should visit Tulail Gurez and see the condition of these people. They don’t have proper drinking water, mobile towers, road connectivity, or electricity. How can they sleep at night?” he questioned. “For more than 70 years, they have raised slogans and fooled the people with emotional appeals while the poor continue to suffer. We must work for them, as they have been fully ignored by the governments.”
Reflecting on his own tenure, the DPAP chief said, “I had only two and a half years in office, yet I was able to deliver many essential services. But now, we will do even more for the people of Gurez.”
He praised the Indian Army for their unwavering support of the people of Gurez. “At least the Indian Army, which is here to protect the people, must be appreciated for safeguarding our borders and assisting locals by providing them with essential facilities, especially during the harsh winter months,” he remarked.
Azad pledged to bring back the Roshni scheme, which was designed to benefit the poor. He highlighted his efforts to fight against government land eviction orders and assured the public that he would introduce a law to protect local land and jobs.
“No outsider should be able to buy land or take jobs here. This is a conflict state, and priority should be given to locals, as they cannot compete with outsiders,” he added.
Among others present were Nasir Lone, Chief Spokesperson Salman Nizami, Provincial General Secretary Shafiq Shabnam and others.
