SRINAGAR: Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) made a significant announcement on Wednesday, revealing a strategic shift in their electoral plans for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The party chairman, Ghulam Nabi Azad, disclosed that he would not be contesting from the critical Anantnag-Rajouri seat. Instead, DPAP has nominated advocate Mohammad Saleem Parray as its candidate for the pivotal constituency.
Mohammad Amin Bhat, the party’s Kashmir president, underscored the unanimity of the decision to field Parray, highlighting Azad’s pivotal role as the party’s Chief Minister candidate for the forthcoming Assembly elections. This decision marks a significant departure from Azad’s earlier candidacy, setting the stage for a recalibration of DPAP’s electoral strategy.
The Anantnag-Rajouri seat had emerged as a litmus test of Azad’s popularity in Jammu and Kashmir, especially following his departure from the Congress in 2022. Initially positioned as DPAP’s frontrunner for the seat, Azad’s withdrawal reshapes the electoral landscape, opening avenues for other prominent leaders.
With Azad’s stepping down, the stage is now set for a competitive showdown between Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti and National Conference senior leader Mian Altaf, both vying for the Anantnag-Rajouri seat.
Explaining the rationale behind Azad’s decision, Bhat elucidated on the feedback garnered during Azad’s recent campaign tour in the Doda region of Jammu. He revealed that the overwhelming sentiment among the populace prompted Azad to reassess his parliamentary ambitions. The electorate questioned the prioritization of national politics over the immediate concerns of Jammu and Kashmir.
“It’s not about the fear of defeat,” Bhat emphasised, highlighting the substantial turnout at DPAP’s rallies in South Kashmir. “Azad’s decision stems from a sincere desire to serve the people of Jammu and Kashmir directly, focusing on their needs and aspirations.”
Even though Azad was heard speaking to some well attended meeting in Chenab Valley, the last one in Banihal, reports reaching from Doda said that Choudhary Lal Singh spoke to a huge gathering in his home Changa village falling in Bhalessa. The host of the meeting was Nadeem Sharif, son of Azad’s cousin, Mohammad Sharief Niaz. It was Niaz who had resigned as Congress MLA in 2005 to pave way for Azad’s election from Bhaderwah. That was Azad’s first assembly victor from his home town in history. While Niaz is no more, his son, Nadeem has refused to resign from Congress and is a DDC member right now. In his long speech on the last day of campaigning, Lal Singh showered praises on the courage and integrity of Nadeem, termed him “my nephew”.
