Jairam Ramesh takes jibe at Ghulam Nabi Azad, says on ground reality of J&K

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took a swipe at Ghulam Nabi Azad on Friday, saying that the “ground reality” of the Congress in Jammu and Kashmir is different from the ones “manufactured by people sitting in New Delhi in Modi Sarkar-sanctioned bungalows.” While speaking to media, Azad said, “I have been forced to leave my home on […]

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took a swipe at Ghulam Nabi Azad on Friday, saying that the “ground reality” of the Congress in Jammu and Kashmir is different from the ones “manufactured by people sitting in New Delhi in Modi Sarkar-sanctioned bungalows.”

Azad said that a coterie controls the party and that Sonia Gandhi, the party’s interim president, is merely a symbolic leader who defers to “Shri Rahul Gandhi or rather worse his security guards and PAs”.

While speaking to media, Azad said, “I have been forced to leave my home on my own.”
Taking a dig at the Congress over his resignation, he said, “Modi is an excuse, they have had an issue with me since the G23 letter was written. They never wanted anyone to write to them, question them. Several (Congress) meetings happened, but not even a single suggestion was taken,” added Azad.

When questioned if he’ll go with BJP if required after forming a new party, Azad said, “Congress mein anpadhon (illiterate) ki jamaat hai, especially those sitting for clerical work…Those who know Jammu and Kashmir, I can’t increase even one vote in BJP’s constituencies, they can’t do it in mine.”

Last Saturday, several of Jammu and Kashmir political leaders met with senior politician Ghulam Nabi Azad, who is planning to establish a new national party.

“MLAs from Jammu and Kashmir are here. A few more-some senior leaders and ex-ministers-will come in the evening. Azad Sa’ab said a national party will be formed, we’ll begin from J&K and the upcoming poll will be fought strongly. Don’t want to reply to comments, we’ll reply with a victory,” said ex-Congress leader Salman Nizami.

The meeting took place within 24 hours after Azad’s resignation from all of his positions in Congress, and it is significant because the valley is expected to conduct elections later this year.

“Under the leadership of Azad ji we will launch a national party and the work will begin from Jammu and Kashmir. Azad ji will go to J-K and will form an alliance with like-minded parties and leaders. All the criticism coming Azad Ji’s way will be answered by winning elections,” ex- Congress leader Salman Nizami had earlier said.