SRINAGAR: Former Jammu and Kashmir Bank chairman Parvez Ahmad Nengroo, who is facing graft charges, on Thursday joined the People’s Conference. Nengroo, who was removed from the post of chairman of the bank in 2019 by the government, joined the People’s Conference (PC) in the presence of party chief Sajad Gani Lone. Welcoming Negroo into the party fold, Lone said he will play a key role in scripting the PC’s economic agenda for change. “I whole-heartedly welcome Parvez sahib into the Caravan of Change. He has had an illustrious banking career and is a hands-on leader who has risen from the ranks,” he said. “During his tenure, we saw one of the fastest turnarounds in the banking industry having turned around the J&K bank’s financial fortunes during his tenure as the Chairman and CEO. He will play a pivotal role in scripting JKPC’s agenda for socio-economic upliftment of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” Lone added. Nengroo said he was inspired by Lone’s “sincerity of thought, vision and deep desire” to usher in a new era of socio-economic development in J&K. “I have earlier had the privilege of serving the people and premiere institutions of J&K in a professional capacity for many decades. It is now my yearning to contribute in creating inclusive political and economic institutions for change by working within the aegis of the People’s Conference. “We are facing enormous challenges both politically and economically and it is time that we look for collective and institutional solutions to ensure sustainable socio-economic growth and development in J&K”, he added. Responding to a question on the prevalent political environment in J&K, Lone said it is high time for introspection among the mainstream political parties of Jammu and Kashmir. He also said people must empower and accord the dignity and respect to the mainstream political parties that they deserve. Nengroo was removed as chairman of the J&K Bank in June 2019 following allegations of governance. He was arrested in April this year in a graft case relating to illegal allotment of housekeeping tenders that had allegedly resulted in loss to the tune of crores of rupees to the bank. He was granted interim bail in May.
