Some party leaders speaking against NC, Govt
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Dec 5: The National Conference (NC) president and former Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah, today said that the biggest achievement of the Omar-led Government in its first year is that people can move and speak freely.
Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp
Addressing the media on the 120th birth anniversary of NC founder, late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, at his mausoleum in Hazratbal area of Srinagar, Abdullah said that the biggest accomplishment in the first year of the elected Government has been “that we can move around freely now, and speak freely”. “Today, our opponents take out rallies and protest marches,” he added.
Click here to watch video
The former CM defended his party’s government, saying a lot has been achieved in its first year within the limited powers granted to it under the Union Territory set up.
“We still have a lot to cover. Whatever we could do this year, it is before you. Our opponents will always tell you that this or that has not been done, but they will not tell you what has been achieved,” he said.
The NC Chief said that the party’s efforts over the past year have been focused on easing public suffering, with MLAs and assembly members travelling across every corner of Jammu and Kashmir to address people’s concerns. “But instead of appreciating this, we are the ones criticising our own party,” he said.
With apparent reference to party’s Member Parliament, Aga Ruhullah, Abdullah regretted that some party leaders are speaking against own party and government. He said internal criticism of organisational reforms was damaging the party.
“The change we are bringing is to strengthen this party. Many are not happy with it. But the party is everything. If the party is there, there is the government. Without the party there will be no government,” he said.
“For God’s sake, tell me what more could have been done in one year, even as everything is up to the Lieutenant Governor? Despite that, our total endeavour has been to ease the sufferings of the people. The assembly members go to every corner and try to address the problems of the people, don’t you see that?” he said.
Abdullah said “the party is treading this path despite several difficulties”. “It is like walking on a razor’s edge,” he added.
The former Chief Minister said the party MLAs are working very hard, but people want everything to happen in an instant.
“We still have four more years. God willing, you will see the transformation in your areas in four years,” he told the party workers.
Abdullah warned that fake photographs and misleading campaigns were being circulated to portray NC as an enemy.
The NC Chief said that the time has come to introduce young and educated faces, especially women, into active politics.
“The Municipal and Panchayat elections are coming nearer. The youth must take charge now. Our educated boys and girls need to step forward and serve their people. I also urge you to focus on strengthening the party and stop making statements. Everyone is issuing statements,” he said.
Calling upon party workers to remain united, the NC Chief said unity was essential to strengthen the party and the government.
“Your opponents will try to create difficulties in your path, but you should not be afraid. God bestowed you with success and will also make you successful in future,” he said, adding, “I could have gone to the Parliament, to the Rajya Sabha, but I wanted those persons to go there who can work and raise the issues of the people”.
He appealed for unity. “Your opponents will try to create difficulties, but do not be afraid. God has given you success in the past and will do so in the future as well, but only if we remain united,” he said.
Abdullah also expressed concern over the looming winter and appealed for prayers for snow and rain, warning that low precipitation would worsen the already deficient water situation. “If we do not witness snowfall in the next few months, we will face issues. Pray to Allah for rain with clear hearts,” he said, adding that a strong spiritual bond would bring guidance and success.
The post We can move, speak freely our biggest achievement: Abdullah appeared first on Daily Excelsior.