Srinagar: Majority of the ministers and MLAs of the Congress and People's Democratic
Forum, partners in the ruling coalition in Jammu and Kashmir, on April 18 stayed
away from the rally addressed by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.
Although invitation had been extended to all ministers and MLAs of the ruling
alliance, only Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma of Congress and Bhim Singh of
the Panthers' Party and his four Legislators were seen at the public meeting, which
seemed to be a People's Democratic Party (PDP) affair.
Taking a dig at the absence of ruling coalition partners, National Conference
president Omar Abdullah said the meeting failed to generate any enthusiasm among the
locals. "Although it is premature to say anything as the visit is still incomplete,
the Prime Minister announced nothing," he said.
"Much hype was generated by the state government."
However, senior minister Taj Mohiuddin said though the rally was organised by the
PDP, Congress supported it whole-heartedly.
Asked why Congress ministers stayed away from Vajpayee's public meeting, he said the
Deputy Chief Minister was there. "Attendance of all ministers is not
compulsory."
MLAs of NC, an ally of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Centre, were also absent
from the public meeting.
Meanwhile, separatist groups sought to downplay the Prime Minister's visit
saying, "His public rally failed live up to the expectations of the people of the
valley."
Senior separatist leader Shabir Ahmed Shah regretted that there was nothing in store
for Kashmiris and there was no roadmap from New Delhi as to how the dialogue process
should be initiated.
PTI
