GL Dogra a hardcore Congressman: Azad

Tribune News Service

Jammu, July 17

In the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad today called late Girdhari Lal Dogra a “hardcore 24 carat” Congressman, who never compromised on regionalism, communalism and casteism.

In his brief speech during the centenary birth celebrations of Girdhari Lal Dogra in Jammu, Azad said: “I knew him (Dogra) when I was a student. I had the opportunity to hear his speeches and came to know about the art of using proper words for the audiences in rural and urban areas.”

“He had this art and then I knew that different words are meant for the people of rural and urban areas,” said Azad.

Azad went on to say that the late leader had done his law graduation from Lahore and still stayed simple and connected to the ground.

“I have seen several leaders and their anniversaries. He was a hardcore 24 carat Congressman,” said Azad.

With so many divergent ideologies sitting on the podium and in the audience, I have no hesitation in saying that he stood tall. He never compromised on regionalism, casteism and communalism, said Azad.

‘Opponents of Dogra’s ideology remembering him’

The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee organised a function in connection with the 100th birth anniversary of veteran leader and former state Finance Minister Girdhari Lal Dogra.

Leaders of all factions of the party were present. Ghulam Nabi Azad was the chief guest at the function.

He took the opportunity to mention top BJP leaders for attending another function organised by Girdhari Lal Dogra Memorial Trust to mark the occasion.

Azad appreciated that those who differed with Dogra’s political ideology were remembering him on his 100th death anniversary, which was a tribute to his philosophy of life and the principles he lived for.

He said Dogra was one of the tallest leaders of his time who rose from a humble background.

He said Dogra played his role in establishing democracy in the state and worked for promotion of peace and harmony throughout his life. Azad termed Dogra as a good human being who was respected by all.

State Congress president Ghulam Ahmed Mir remembered Dogra’s contributions to the state and the Congress during his long political career.

“Dogra served the state in different capacities as Member of the Constituent Assembly, Minister for Finance for about 27 years and Member of Parliament twice,” Mir said.

“Dogra was a very respectable leader of the party who had direct access to the Congress high command. His simplicity and commitment to the ideology of the Congress would always be remembered,” Mir said.

Mir said the PM and senior leaders of other parties remembered Dogra’s contribution and philosophy of life, which was a matter of great satisfaction to the Congress and followers of Dogra’s teachings.