Doda, Sept 16: Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad on Monday appealed for unity and called for an end to the decades-long practice of “false slogan politics” in Jammu & Kashmir. He criticised political parties that have raised “empty slogans”, which he said, led to the loss of countless lives and stalled the region’s development.
Speaking at a roadshow in Doda, Azad said, “These misleading promises have only widened the gap between the people and progress.” He highlighted the strides made in infrastructure and development during his tenure as chief minister, but said that the people of Jammu & Kashmir deserve “real progress” and not “hollow rhetoric”.
“People are not asking for slogans; they are asking for free ration, reliable electricity, employment opportunities, quality education and better healthcare. These are the pressing needs of the hour,” he asserted.
The former CM criticised political parties for avoiding discussions on development and instead resorting to “fear-mongering” with “false statements”. “People are more aware today,” he said, urging citizens to question these parties about their track record when they were in power.
“What development did they bring to Jammu & Kashmir during their tenure?” he asked. Azad further raised the alarming issue of youth being drawn into drug abuse, questioning why no party is addressing this pressing concern. “My sole mission is to uplift the poor. We need to build more schools, roads, and hospitals, and for that, we require the people’s support,” he said.
The DPAP chief announced a series of ambitious initiatives aimed at empowering the poor, including the revival of the “Roshni Scheme” for electrification, a new scholarship program for poor students, free education, and a focus on job creation.
He reaffirmed his commitment to uplift the underprivileged by promising to restore normalcy and development in Jammu & Kashmir within six months. “My party’s goal is to become a strong political force capable of forming the government and serving the people. We are committed to restoring normalcy and development in Jammu & Kashmir within six months,” he said.
