Azad urges people to support Cong, CPI(M), PDF; ignores PDP

Srinagar, Apr 9 (UNI) Relations between the Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Jammu and Kashmir seems to have reached their lowest point today with Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad urging the people to strengthen the hands of his party, the Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) and the CPI(M).

Addressing a public meeting at Raithan in Badgam district after laying the foundation stone of the Rs 25 crore road project, he did not mention the name of the PDP, thus hinting at a new pre-election alliance in the state.

''We want to make Jammu and Kashmir a Khushal (prosperous) state and for that we need your full support and cooperation,'' Mr Azad said. CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami and PDF chairman Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen were also present on the occasion.

''We want to make the dream of Khushal Jammu and Kashmir a reality...For that all of us, including my other colleagues, have to support each other. I hope you will also support us in our endeavour,'' he added.

Political observers here said Mr Azad's statement was a clear indication that the Congress would part ways with the PDP ahead of the next Assembly elections in the state.

UNI