If granted the opportunity to voice J&K's concerns in Parliament, Ghulam Nabi Azad pledged to advocate for the rights of the Kashmiri Pandit community.
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| Former Congress Leader Ghulam Nabi Azad |
Just a day after declaring his candidacy for the Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary seat, DPAP president and former J&K CM Ghulam Nabi Azad emphasized the criticality of reinstating statehood to J&K to ensure the extension of other safeguards, such as Article 35A, to its people.
"While the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, have acknowledged their intention to restore statehood to us, the manner in which it's being proposed seems to replicate the administrative structures of either Delhi or Puducherry. Every administrative action and Cabinet decision will be subject to the approval of the Lieutenant Governor. This proposition is entirely unacceptable to us. It's not just my sentiment but one shared by every individual in J&K," Azad remarked. He further added that the battle he initiated in Parliament following the abrogation of Article 370 "has yet to culminate in its intended outcome."
Regarding his choice to participate in elections, Azad, who will be engaging in his inaugural electoral campaign as the leader of DPAP, remarked, "I believe another battle is necessary within the Lok Sabha. When J&K was hastily divested of its statehood and Articles 370 and 35A, in a moment of desperation, I staged a protest on the floor of the Parliament. My stance on that day is documented in the records."
"We seek the restoration of the same statehood that has endured for generations... Prior to the Assembly elections, I will leverage my position in Parliament, my voice, and my influence to advocate for the reinstatement of that statehood to J&K," Azad affirmed. He continued, asserting that associated elements of statehood, such as Article 35A, which have been unjustly taken from us, will also be reclaimed."
"As long as Article 35A remained intact, outsiders were barred from purchasing land or seeking employment opportunities within J&K," he remarked. "Our employment opportunities are already scarce, and if outsiders are allowed to influx, our share will further diminish. Our youth are already grappling with a dearth of jobs. For the well-being of these young individuals and their families, it is imperative to restrict job opportunities to the residents of J&K," he emphasized.
"An immediate advantage of reinstating statehood would be the ability for the state government to enact legislation within its Assembly, thereby enabling the implementation of such restrictions," he stated.
Azad expressed his eagerness to address critical matters like power generation in J&K. He noted the decline in electricity production over the past two years, emphasizing the necessity for thermal power projects in both Kashmir and Jammu. He highlighted his prior efforts in securing approval for such projects in Jammu during his tenure as CM, albeit without fruition.
Furthermore, Azad emphasized his commitment to advocating for the concerns of various communities, including the Kashmiri Pandits and the Gujjar-Bakarwals. He underscored the issues surrounding the government's control over their rations and allowances, stressing the importance of addressing these challenges. Azad expressed his confidence in his ability to effectively tackle these issues through concrete actions rather than mere statements, given the opportunity to represent J&K in Parliament.