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| Farooq' day out in winter capital after 8 months: 'Amuses' tourists in RN Bazar | | Bold statement in party office: Old guard should leave space for young | | Early Times Report
Jammu, May 15: National Conference Patron Dr Farooq Abdullah made a dramatic appearance in the winter capital both on busy roads and famous Raghunath Bazar, his favourite haunt in the city of temples to register his presence after a huge gap of over 8 months. His son, Omar Abdullah, though accompanying him to Jammu trip, chose to stay away from the day long itinerary Farooq had to attend elsewhere. From roads to his party office, NC patron who has been keeping unwell, tried to infuse spirit in his own vivid style of conduct, eulogizing the leaders to move on while in opposition. The key mantra he gave in today's informal meeting which may sound unpleasant to many is the advice for old guard to get aside and leave space for young blood.
Farooq's arrival to city of temples today was atypical of the ones seen in the past so many times. What made this conspicuous was the long gap after which he made his appearance particularly in Raghunath Bazar where he interacted with everyone -from pedestrians to tourists and even distributed sweets besides spending quite some time for photo sessions, in a bid to amuse all. He was accompanied by senior party leaders except Omar who chose to stay away from all these engagements. However, most important of all was his informal meeting with the party colleagues and a select group of leaders at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan.
Sources within the party said it was a small gathering as desired by Farooq himself who were invited on account of his ailing health. Yet the gathering mounted to over 100 as more than Omar, Farooq Abdhullah remains a crowd puller anytime , said the sources. However, NC Patron managed to send across the message and fulfil the purpose of Jammu visit. It was both to rejuvenate the spirits of cadres that even after crushing defeat on LS polls and Assembly elections. Conscious of the dispirited state of party cadres in Jammu region where party faced defeat on many segments, Farooq with his typical style statements contended victory or defeat did not matter for the party. Sources also said Farooq expressed dissatisfaction at the stagnant state of membership drive of the party for a long time. "It has to be started afresh with vigour and enthusiasm….but on a genuine note not the fictitious manner as done in the past ..", Farooq was said to have conveyed on an angry note" while referring to some brazen aberrations including money irregularities in the drive.
However, what was seen as most important assertion Farooq made in the winter capital in loud and explicit terms that it was high time for old guard to get aside and leave space for youth leadership on vital posts. The time is changing fast and they (old horses without referring to any names) should realize political space has to be occupied by young blood who can rejuvenate the party, sources said Farooq having concluded on this advice. |
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