Reasi, Dec 10: Asserting that some political parties were trying to exploit people for their own interest, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy and President of National Conference, Dr Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said that `negative politics’ has caused great damage to the state both politically as well as economically.
 Without naming any political party, the union minister said that the people of the state have already faced a lot due to negative politics being nurtured by “various politicians to divide the society and mar economic welfare of the state”.
 Addressing a public rally here Dr Farooq said that a new dawn of political stability and holistic progress has arrived in the state.
 Criticizing PDP for its “double-speak and divisive politics”, Dr Farooq said that this party is bent upon dividing people in the name of religion and region. “Its leadership befools people in Kashmir, in Jammu and in New Delhi by speaking three different languages on AFSPA and other issues. This party is living on this type of tactics since its inception. It derailed several projects including the launch of Sawalakot Power project during their tenure in power as these were envisaged by my Government”, he said and cautioned the people about this kind of political behaviour.
 He said empowerment of Panchayats by the present government is a historic step aimed at all round and equitable development of all areas of the state.
 Dr. Farooq said that his Ministry would involve Sarpanchs and Panchs in the stupendous task of providing solar lanterns and other appliances in far-flung and hilly areas where there is urgent requirement of this kind of energy.
 Speaking on the occasion Minister for Forests, Mian Altaf Ahmad, Minister for Industries, SS Slathia, Minister for Higher Education, Abdul Gani Malik, Political Advisor to the Chief Minister, Devender Singh Rana, Provincial President, National Conference, Rattan Lal Gupta and Babu Jagjeevan Lal presented the resume of the achievements registered in various sectors in the State during last three years of the coalition government led by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 10 Dec 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 10 Dec 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 11 Dec 2011 00:00:00 IST