I have no political agenda to pursue in J&K: Malik
JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik on Wednesday said that he has no political agenda to pursue in the restive state and encroach upon the space of political parties.
“I am not here to make political parties happy. Having said that, I have good relations will all of them,” Malik said at a press briefing organised here on the occasion of his five month completion in the office. He took over as the governor on August 21.
Recently, former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti had accused the governor of encroaching upon the political space.
“I am here to give an impetus to the developmental works and address genuine grievances of people. I am working well within the ambit of the state constitution,” he added.
Malik said the good work done in state is not showcased to the outside world and the Valley is demonised for every small incident.
“I gave impetus to development since I took over in August, strengthening the grass-root democracy in the state,” Malik said, adding that the successful conduct of local body and panchayat elections failed to get the required media attention.
‘CORRUPTION HAS PLAGUED KASHMIR’
“Kashmir has been plagued with corruption. I was accused of defaming the Valley for this statement. It is not me but those indulging in corruption who are bringing a bad name to the state,” Malik said.
An ordinary boy who plies a mule on Amarnath route doesn’t have a sweater but those in power, be it in administration, politics or business are having a better living standard than Mughal emperor Jahangir,” the governor said. “Had the funds been properly utilised , Kashmir would have been of gold today,” he said. Malik added that major developmental projects are in the pipeline for twin capital cities of Srinagar and Jammu.