Banihal, Apr 16: Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) Chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad lambasted the Congress party for directing “unwarranted attacks” towards him rather than focusing on crucial issues. He also said that the National Conference vice president completed a year’s term as chief minister due to the support of his MLAs.
Addressing a public meeting in Banihal’s Khari, he highlighted the party’s failure to address pressing matters such as Article 370 and 35A, emphasising their misplaced priorities.
Azad said, “Congress’s relentless attacks stem from their frustration over DPAP’s growing popularity and acceptance. Instead of confronting the BJP or addressing public concerns, they choose to target us. Where does Congress stand on Article 370? I fought for it in Parliament, while Congress MPs sided with the BJP government. Yet, even today, their leadership remains conspicuously silent on the issue.”
Strongly rebuking the National Conference (NC), the former chief minister castigated their governance track record in Jammu and Kashmir, spanning over 70 years. He questioned the party’s legacy of “violence and hollow promises”, accusing them of exploiting the populace. He countered recent assertions by the NC vice president Omar Abdullah, reminding him of the pivotal role his MLAs played in his six-year tenure as chief minister.
The DPAP Chairman denounced Abdullah’s lack of gratitude as indicative of his character. “I want to ask Omar Abdullah, if you served as chief minister for 6 years, it was because of the support of my MLAs. I extended your tenure by sharing the alliance. You didn’t do any favours. The MLAs who supported you for the Chief Ministership are still with me,” he said.
He added, “When Farooq Abdullah left J&K due to militancy, it was my initiative that brought him back. At that time, the NC was in a precarious state. While I hold great respect for Dr Farooq Abdullah, his son displays a lack of political maturity and understanding. For how long will they bask in the legacy of Sheikh Abdullah? They couldn’t endure a day in jail like him. They’re riding on his political coattails without achieving anything significant on their own. He was an ineffective chief minister.”
Azad emphasised his unwavering commitment to development, dismissing the rhetoric of certain leaders whom he views as exploiters. He underscored the urgent need to uplift the underprivileged by investing in essential infrastructure such as roads, schools, colleges, hospitals, tehsils, universities, and tourism spots.
The DPAP chief stressed that genuine progress requires tangible actions, not just hollow words. He pledged to establish degree colleges, primary health centres and hospitals, expand road networks, and create new tehsils if his party assumes power.
Azad urged the public not to fall prey to religious politics and instead vote for his candidate, G.M. Saroori, who he said is known for his integrity and diligence and will champion public concerns in Parliament.
Chief Spokesperson Salman Nizami on the occasion reassured Azad of the unwavering support of the people of Banihal for his leadership, pledging to secure victory for his cause in the upcoming elections.
