People have replied to 'bullet with ballot' : Azad

Jammu Apr 29(UNI) Describing the massive turnout during the byelection in the state as reply to 'bullet with ballot,' Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today said it was a befitting answer to the political parties or groups, casting aspersions on the democratic set up of the country.

After taking oath as a member of the Legislative Assembly, Mr Azad told mediapersons that ''during the by-elections in the state there has been an estimated 15 per cent more polling compared to other parts of the country. This has proved that the prople have reposed their confidence into democratic process.

''I consider it as triumph of ballot over bullet.'' He said with this win, the government will be able to implement the policies and programmes with more zeal and zest. The government's priority list would feature creating more infrastructure and drive against corruption.

To a question on defeat of People Democratic Party (PDP), in two of the three constituencies of Baramulla in Kashmir, Mr Azad said ''I wish PDP would could win in all the three seats but 'win and losing' is a part of the game and reduction or increase of number in Legislative Assembly will not affect strength of coalition government as we are already in majority.'' To an another question the Chief Minister clarified that Congress had extended its full support to PDP in all the three seats of valley.

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