Azad says huge bypoll win, victory against corruption

Srinagar, Apr 30 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has said his winning the April 24 by-elections from Bhaderwah constituency was a victory against corruption.

''My victory in the by-elections is the victory against corruption. At the time of filing nomination papers from Bhaderwah, I had asked the people that those wanting to put an end to rampant corruption should vote for me and those who want its continuation vote against me,'' Mr Azad told a public gathering at Kangan yesterday.

''Before the by-elections, I was told that if I speak against corruption it will affect my chances of winning, but I did not care and made it my election slogan. The outcome has proved that the people are with me,'' he further added.

Mr Azad also called upon the people to come forward in weeding out the tentacles of corruption from the society.

He added that ''If anybody has a complaint about any corrupt official, he should write to me. It is my word that the name will be kept confidential,''.

The Chief Minister said a plan has been formulated under which about 450 development works would be carried out in double shifts from May 15 to save time, so that a year's work could be achieved in six months only.

Talking about the present government, Mr Azad said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was keen to develop the basic infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. And added that in this regard, the Centre last week accorded the status of National Highway to the Srinagar-Leh road.

UNI AG OM VC1355