We respected national interest: Azad

Hasn’t the Congress-PDP deadlock over CMship helped the Sangh Parivar’s trifurcation demand?
The Jammu State Morcha talked of a separate state of Jammu with its own CM. While I said the top post can go to a man from Jammu without disintegrating the state.

Then, why don’t we have a CM from Jammu?
I respect the sentiments of the people of Jammu. For the past 55 years, they have not seen anybody from their region getting the top post. But we got only 35 pc of the seats which was not enough to form a government of our own. By keeping the PDP out, we would have gone against the nation’s interest.

How can a Congress CM be against national interest?
By not considering the mandate of people, the Congress would have overlooked the state. We thought that the since the PDP is the second largest party after the Congress, let Mufti be the CM. The Kashmiris need a man who can deliver.

By agreeing to talk to militants, hasn’t the Congress deviated from its stand?
During her Kashmir visit, Congress president Sonia Gandhi had said the party is ready for talks under the Constitution, which gives enough scope to meet the aspirations of the people.

What will be the role of the Kashmir Committee in your talks with militants?
It’s not an official committee. I appreciate an initiative taken by the people.

Will Farooq play a part?
Our CMP says we will consult all legislators. Anyone who is ready to help is welcome. The NC is down but not out.