Friday, October 21 2005 19:26 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Srinagar: A day after the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Jammu and Kashmir asked for clarification of its stand on the transfer of power, Congress today (Oct 21, 2005) maintained there was no change in the agreement between the two parties on the issue and said its concentration at present was on relief and rehabilitation of quake victims.

"Transfer of power stands," Union Urban Development Minister and one of the key contenders for the post of Chief Minister of the state Ghulam Nabi Azad told reporters here.

Asked to react to state Finance Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baigs demand for clearing of uncertainty on the issue, he said, "I don't think Baig has said anything like that. Transfer of power stands. Let us keep politics away and concentrate on relief and rehabilitation of the victims of the killer earthquake."

Under power-sharing agreement between Congress and PDP, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed is to step down on November two, 2005 after completing three years in office to pave the way for Congress to take over the reins of the Government.

Azad, who has been deputed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to oversee relief and rehabilitation measures in Jammu and Kashmir, termed the relief and financial assistance provided by the Centre to the state as unprecedented.

"The quick response shown by the Union Government and its sharing the state's miseries by declaring the quake in the state a national calamity has boosted the morale of the affected people," the Union Minister said.

Baig had yesterday said uncertainty regarding transfer of power was affecting decision-making of the administration on policy matters, particularly when the entire focus should be on providing relief to quake victims.