Azad has mass appeal, says family

Srinagar: A Congress flag and a photo of the new Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir greet everyone who ventures into the Azad family home in Jammu.

It's a big day for the Azad family as Ghulam Nabi Azad prepares to become the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister.

"He is the first CM from Jammu region. Running a coalition government will be a challenge but with his mass appeal he is bound to do well," says Mustafa Azad, Ghulam Nabi Azad?s brother.

His brother adds that Azad has the support of people in Ladakh, Kashmir and Jammu.

"People look up to him as their leader and are confident that he will live up to their expectations."

Besides relatives, Azad's associates also feel he is a born leader the early signs of which they had seen in his school days.

Says Ghulam Nabi Azad's first teacher, Hira Lal Hatshi," Ever since his first day in class he seemed like a bright kid and we knew that he would reach great heights some day."

Though the challenge has just begun for Azad, the excitement of his family members and close friends is evident.

However Ghulam Nabi Azad will have to make sure that he understands the valley's sensitivities, and not just keep Jammu in mind.