Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has categorically denied the possibility of his appointment as the next Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir.
During a public rally, Azad clarified that he is not seeking employment nor interested in assuming the role of Lieutenant Governor. He reiterated that he is a politician and his main focus is on serving the people.
“I urge people not to believe the rumors circulating excessively. There is a fresh rumor suggesting that Ghulam Nabi Azad will be the next LG. I have not come here in search of a job; my intention is to serve the people,” Azad said at a public rally on Sunday.
Azad, who recently left Congress and established the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), dismissed claims that some individuals were insinuating that he was seeking rehabilitation. Speaking at a party gathering, he also refuted the notion that he returned to Jammu and Kashmir politics at the behest of the BJP.
Azad’s statement comes amid speculation that he is being considered for the position of Lieutenant Governor. This speculation has been fueled by the fact that Azad has met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah on multiple occasions in recent months.
However, Azad has made it explicitly clear that he has no interest in the position. He expressed contentment with his current role as a politician and expressed no desire to assume any government position.
Speaking at a public rally, Azad emphasized that unemployment and inflation were two major issues plaguing Jammu and Kashmir, and he called for swift action to address them.
“Unemployment is increasing. There are no job opportunities. The government is advertising vacancies, but interviews are not being conducted. Educated youth are struggling to find employment, and their parents have depleted their savings on their education,” the former chief minister stated.
Azad criticized the repeal of Article 370, which revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, as a “grave mistake.”
“In the past nine years, another significant mistake was made – the removal of Article 370 and Article 35A. This mistake pushed us further backwards. There was uncertainty regarding the ownership of land,” he added.
Ghulam Nabi Azad served as the Chief Minister of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir from 2005 to 2008. He also held the position of Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha from 2014 to 2021.
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