Jammu, Apr 14: Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chairman and former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad Sunday slammed the National Conference (NC) and Congress for their role in, what he alleged, “splitting the secular vote in the Chenab Valley.”
While addressing a public meeting in Kishtwar, Azad pointed out that the DPAP was the first to declare its candidate after BJP; then Cong announced a candidate whose track record was communal, yet the NC leaders were now campaigning against them (DPAP), solely to manipulate and deceive the people.
He questioned their absence and lack of contribution over the past decade in the Chenab valley, asking what tangible efforts they made for the sub-region’s inhabitants. He said, “These leaders come to the Chenab valley as tourists, aiding the BJP and fracturing our votes. What have they truly done for the people here? How many schools, roads, or colleges did they construct during their tenure? They merely exploited and deceived our populace. I will not permit this to recur.”
He urged the public to remain vigilant against parties that exploited them for political gain. He pointed out the shortcomings of Congress leadership, attributing BJP’s electoral victories to these failures and said that instead of addressing people’s concerns, leaders of such parties were engrossed in abusive politics.
Azad said, “If Congress is losing today, it’s because of their failed leadership. They only abuse the opponents, even those who demand leadership change. There is no democracy in Congress now.”
He lambasted the NC leadership and other regional parties for their abandonment of the self-rule and autonomy agendas. He questioned the sincerity behind their previous slogans, accusing them of exploiting people’s sentiments for years.
Targetting them, Azad said, “What happened to self-rule and autonomy? Today, you forget. You exploited people over slogans for years.” He reiterated his party’s unwavering focus on development and peace. Former Chief Minister emphasized his commitment to building schools, colleges, and roads, highlighting the importance of continuing this work.
Rejecting the exploitation of people, Azad affirmed that their mission and agenda remained centred on serving the community and fostering progress.
He assured that DPAP’s candidate, G M Saroori would champion people’s issues with the same dedication and integrity as he (Azad) did. He praised Saroori as a hardworking and honest individual, committed to serving the people effectively.
Azad further emphasized that voting should be based on the candidate’s performance, rather than on religious or caste considerations. He underscored the secular nature of the people of Chenab valley and urged the people to unite for the development of the entire region, transcending any divisive factors.