J

Srinagar, Apr 20 (UNI) A brother of Jammu and Kashmir Transport Minister and Peoples Democratic Forum (PDF) chairman Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen today joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying he saw a ray of hope in this party and had a strong belief that only it can pull the state out of the political and economic mess.

In a press release here, a PDP spokesman said Hakeem Mohammad Aslam, a prominent political activist and senior PDF leader from Khan Sahib Badgam, joined the key ruling coalition partner along with hundreds of his supporters.

Talking to UNI, the Transport Minister said the move would have no impact at all on the PDF in the state. ''He (Hakeem Aslam) is a government employee, a deputy forester. How can he join a political party while being in the government service?'' Hakeem Yaseen asked.

He also dismissed the PDP claim that his brother had hundreds of supporters in the area. ''The PDP is highly disturbed by the ever-increasing popularity of the PDF in the entire Kashmir valley, particularly Badgam area,'' the Minister said.

The spokesman, in the release, said PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and president Mehbooba Mufti were present on the occasion.

After formally announcing his decision to join the PDP here, Hakeem Aslam said the party has emerged as a credible political movement in the state with a forceful people-centric agenda.

He said the PDP has given voice to the aspirations of the people in a real sense and delivered on its commitments.

''I see a ray of hope in this party and have a strong belief that only it can pull Jammu and Kashmir out of the political and economic mess,'' Hakeem Aslam said, adding he along with his supporters would work for strengthening the party as a loyal soldier in the larger interests of the people.

Welcoming Hakeem Aslam in the party-fold, Ms Mufti said the greatest satisfaction for her party was that it has, in a very short period, established its credibility among the people.

She said the PDP would always welcome the people who believe in its philosophy and were ready to work for the political and economic welfare of the people.

Strongly condemning the misuse of power by some vested interests to prevent Hakeem Aslam from joining the PDP using pressure tactics and force to harass him, Ms Mufti said such acts of highhandedness only depict the frustration of such elements.

''The PDP's detractors are suffering from due to the party's growing popularity,'' she added.

Significantly, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad had recently addressed a public gathering in Badgam district where he urged the people to strengthen the hands of the Congress, the PDF and the CPI(M), but ignored the PDP in his speech.

Hakeem Yaseen and CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami were also present at that meeting.

UNI