Congress is gaining popularity in J&K: Azad

Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today said Congress was gaining popularity in Jammu and Kashmir despite its rivals tiring efforts to damage its image.
"I am happy that inspite the rivals' efforts to cause damage to Congress' image it has gained popularity here in the state," Azad said while addressing a public rally at Shangas in south Kashmir's Anantnag district.
"The people of all the three regions - Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh - have accepted the party," he added.
"Congress is not just a party but a movement which has provided a democratic set-up to the people and by virtue of which they can elect their representatives," he said.

Azad said it was a happy coincidence that today happens to be the foundation day of Congress.
The Union Minister said the party has contributed enormously to the overall development of the state, be it the infrastructure, healthcare, generation of electricity, construction of roads or the recent laying of railway lines which runs up to Baramulla, in north Kashmir.
Earlier, Azad visited the district hospital and reviewed the pace of developmental works there.
The minister however, was unhappy over the slow pace of work at the hospital, for which he has sanctioned an amount of Rs two crores few weeks earlier.