Srinagar, Aug 26: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vice-president and Shia cleric Moulvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari today showered praise on Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy and National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah for coming up with “the visionary idea of developing Royal Springs Golf Course (RSGC) in Srinagar.”
 “Politics apart and whatever is truth should be said. It was Dr Farooq who took the bold step of developing RSGC which has now come up as such a magnificent golf course. At that time, Dr Farooq was criticized from every quarter, but he stood ground on his decision and made this Golf Course a reality. Today every one is in awe of this course and for it we should hail the vision and courage of Dr Farooq”, Moulvi Iftikhar, who was in NC before joining PDP in 2003, said at the concluding function of a golfing event at RSGC here.
 “I have also got the privilege of having played an active role in the development of this Golf course as I was that time part of Dr Farooq led National Conference government. Seeing this course today gives soothing effect to my eyes and heart,” he said.
 He said that RSGC is reckoned among the best golf courses in the World and it attracts well known golfers from across the globe.
 Pertinently, Moulvi Iftikhar switched over to NC from Congress after the former came to power in 1996. After joining NC in post-power scenario, Moulvi was inducted as a housing minister in the Dr Farooq-led government. However, Moulvi developed differences with NC leadership after he was asked by Dr Farooq to quit the ministry following his alleged involvement in infamous Sidhra satellite town land scam.
 After PDP came to power in 2002, Moulvi immediately shifted there and was appointed senior vice-president of the party.
 However, according to sources, after NC came to power in 2009, Moulvi has been reportedly since trying to mend fences with Abdullah’s. But his pro-NC overtures, according to sources, were not being encouraged by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah till now. But as they say - there are no permanent enemies in politics.
 Moulvi, according to sources, is also keeping in touch with Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 26 Aug 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 26 Aug 2012 18:30:00 GMT
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