Jammu, Apr 17: Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) Chairman and former chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad Wednesday criticised Congress’ Rahul Gandhi and National Conference’s Omar Abdullah for “endorsing a candidate who supported the rapists of Kathua’s daughter”.
“Such alliances betray the trust of the people and compromise justice,” he said, expressing disappointment with the present leadership of Congress. “Their actions have severely tarnished the Congress ideology that we worked hard to uphold. I would have never allowed this in Congress. Such deviation from the party’s principles is regrettable and undermines the legacy we strive to maintain,” Azad said about his former party (Congress).
“Omar Abdullah is campaigning in Chenab Valley against DPAP, not BJP. He has been tasked to divide secular votes. He did nothing for his constituency. I gave district status to Ganderbal, which is the family constituency of Abdullahs. I provided them with colleges and hospitals. What has Omar done for his home constituency? He only exploited and harmed the people,” Azad said addressing public meetings in the Sangaldan and Ukhral areas of Banihal constituency.
He raised concerns about the Congress party’s approach to addressing public issues, particularly in BJP-ruled states.
Azad criticised Congress for what he described as “a reluctance to engage in confrontations and a tendency to seek out safe seats where minority populations are stronger”.
He questioned the party’s commitment to fighting the BJP on the ground, highlighting its preference for safe seats, notably in states like Kerala, over contested battlegrounds.
Azad said, “Why is Rahul Gandhi hesitant to contest in BJP-ruled states?”
He noted that while Gandhi claimed to be fighting the BJP, his actions suggested otherwise.
“Why fly from BJP-ruled states and seek refuge in minority-dominated ones?” Azad said on Rahul Gandhi and Omar Abdullah, referring to them as “spoon-fed kids” rather than politicians.
He said that they had not made personal sacrifices in life and were merely enjoying political legacies inherited from figures like Indira Gandhi and Sheikh Abdullah. “Both have done nothing of their own,” Azad said.
He reiterated his commitment to development, urging the people to distance themselves from exploitative politicians.
Azad emphasised the importance of supporting candidates dedicated to addressing public issues.
He urged people to rally behind Ghulam Muhammad Saroori in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, highlighting Saroori’s dedication to raising and addressing pressing public concerns.