Early Times Report
JAMMU, Nov 1: In what could be perceived as a major political development, which may leave political pundits stunned, Congress stalwart Ghulam Nabi Azad is learnt to have directed his loyalists to extend an invitation to PCC chief Saif-ud-Din Soz also, to join at Eid-Diwali Milan function here on Tuesday.
Though once again on a non-political platform, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad would be here to meet Jammuites under the banner of Eid-Diwali Milan, organized by a big section of lawyers' community and several other social organizations. Eid-Diwali Milan is being organized for past couple of years wherein Ghulam Nabi Azad has always remained the chief guest. Former Chief Minister and sitting Union Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad never missed the said function as it is being organized by his close confidants including sitting President of Bar Association, Jammu, Bhupinder Singh Slathia.
However, this time, what may be surprising to see is, if PCC chief Saif-ud-Din Soz-known rival group of Azad camp-accepts the invitation and share the dais with Azad. Earlier, the function was to be organized on November 4 but as Congress has announced to go for show of strength at Ram Lila Maidan at New Delhi the same day, so the function was postponed and new date was decided as November 6.
If sources in Congress party are to be believed, "when some of the organizers met Ghulam Nabi Azad at New Delhi and formally invited him to grace the occasion, he gave his consent. However, at the same time he asked them to invite former Union Minister present PCC president Saif-ud-Soz as well". "Hearing about the invitation to Saif-ud-Soz, the host group was taken a back wondering if Azad was joking. However, Azad again asked them to invite Soz also, no matters whether he accepts the invitation or not," revealed sources further adding that "following direction from Azad, the team of organizers extended the invitation at 12 Akbar Road, the residence of Saif-ud-Soz. Besides, the invitation here at the local level has also been extended to Congress leaders known to be close aide of Soz. Whether Soz group joins the occasion or not, would be cleared only on November 6th afternoon."
Ghulam Nabi Azad would here on Tuesday afternoon and would address the gathering consisting of lawyers, representatives of Chamber of Commerce and Industry, several social and traders' association besides prominent members of civil society. |
