Srinagar: Reiterating the demand for restoration of statehood, veteran Congress leader and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said elections are inevitable for development and it should be held only after the restoration of statehood. He was speaking to media during his visit to Mata Kher Bhavani temple in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Tuesday. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is also on his two-day sojourn to the state.
"A lot has changed in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370. Elections are inevitable for the development of J&K. However, elections should be held only after the restoration of statehood,” said Azad. He also said that serious steps should be taken for the return of Kashmiri Pandits.
Further on abrogation of Article 370, Azad said, "Article 370 provided protection to the land and jobs in J&K. Before elections protection of land and jobs must be guaranteed, as they were guaranteed by Article 370.”
Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday morning visited Hazratbal shrine after he paid obeisance at Mata Kheer Bhavani temple in Ganderbal district of central Kashmir. He also inaugurated party office in Srinagar and addressed party workers.
Azad was scheduled to meet Rahul Gandhi at Kheer Bhawani, but as he arrived late. Rahul Gandhi had left for Hazratbal Dargah.
Also read: Rahul Gandhi visits Kheer Bhawani temple J&K's Ganderbal
