New J&K Cong chief hopeful of reviving party

Qureshi said his party’s immediate aim will not be to win the polls, but to win the hearts of the people.

"We have set the goal to win the hearts of the people who are feeling alienated due to unsympathetic approach of the state and Central governments," he said.

Qureshi was confident that the Congress will again make its presence felt in the state where it has been out of power for a long time.

"We have suffered a lot of casualties but we have a large number of dedicated Congressmen who have remained in the state throughout the turbulent period and had kept the party flag flying high," Qureshi said.

He hoped that the people will come forward and join hands with the party to work for the return of the peace in the state and also to frustrate the `nefarious designs’ of those inimical to the development of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Congress leader urged the National Conference government to initiate job-oriented development programmes to end unemployment.

To a question regarding Mufti Mohammad Syed’s breaking away from Congress and floating a new outfit, he said the former’s departure has definitely affected the party but has not weakened it.

About proposed dialogue between the Centre and Hurriyat Conference leaders, Qureshi said the scene is unclear as nobody is coming forward for talks.