People did not regard ‘development work’ of Congress: Soz

‘Modi polarized Jammu voters’

PS BALI

Jammu, Dec 24: Accepting party’s defeat in the recently concluded Assembly elections in the state, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President, Prof Saif-ud-Din Soz today said that people of Jammu region got swayed away with the ‘polarization’ card of Modi and forgot the ‘work done’ by Congress.

Talking to Greater Kashmir JKPCC chief said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to Jammu to ‘divide people on the name of region and religion’.

“Modi’s polarization card overdid the developmental work carried out by the congress leaders in the state,” JKPCC chief said and added that Congress had no means to counter ‘polarization trend’ of the saffron party.

He added that BJP made inroads by raking up several sensitive issues, which were considered prone to disturb ‘communal harmony’ in the state. “Due to their divisive politics, there is a total wipe-out of non-Muslim Congress candidates in the Jammu region, which is a matter of serious concern, as it indicates that state is heading towards politics of extremism, which is dangerous for the democracy and secularism of the State,” Soz asserted.

Soz said that they (people) did not regard the service of the Congress leaders, especially in the Jammu region. “We have nothing to defend, as people of the region voted against us. They voted  in favour of divisive forces by sidelining our year’s long service and goodwill,” said PCC chief, adding that they respect the mandate of the people.

"We accept the verdict of the people. They have voted for change, after 12 years of our government in the state. But I am disturbed with the defeat of two star candidates of the party from Jammu region, Raman Bhalla and Sham Lal. Both represented the aspirations of the people of Jammu region strongly, especially from their respective constituencies,” Soz lamented.

However, apparently unfazed by the rout, Soz said that Congress will definitely go for self-introspection and will work hard to regain the confidence of the people.

"The Congress party will work hard on the ground to once again earn the confidence of the people," PCC chief said.

It is pertinent to mention here that Congress managed to secure only 12 seats in the state, with five from Jammu region against 17 in 2008 elections.