Azad rules out mid-term polls in J

Srinagar, May 26 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today ruled out mid-term polls in the state, saying the Assembly elections ''under any circumstances'' would be held on the stipulated time in September-October next year.

Addressing a crowded news conference here, Mr Azad termed as ''baseless rumours'' to the reports suggesting mid-term elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

''The elections to the state Assembly under any circumstances will be held on the stipulated time in September-October next year only. There is no question of polls before that. The people should not waste their precious time on unnecessary issues,'' he added.

The Chief Minister said, the next two years were a ''golden period'' for Jammu and Kashmir as far as infrastructure development was concerned.

He said, the central-sponsored schemes worth Rs 4000 crore have been sanctioned for the state. ''We have to take the advantage of this huge funding and concentrate on the development of Jammu and Kashmir,'' Mr Azad added.

The Chief Minister said, a great coordination existed between the Centre and the state government at present. ''We don't know how long this coordination will last? Even if lasts for a longer time than expected, we don't know if Jammu and Kashmir will get such a huge amount as central assistance because as we all know our country faces regular droughts and floods,'' he added.

UNI