If BJP crosses 400-mark in LS polls, those who failed to lead INDIA bloc will be responsible: Azad

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: In a veiled attack on the Congress, DPAP chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad on Saturday said if the BJP achieves its target of more than 400 seats in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, the party which failed to lead the opposition INDIA block would be responsible for it.
The former Congress leader also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for conferring Bharat Ratna on his predecessors P V Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh and said they deserved the honours for their outstanding contribution for the country.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a public meeting at Garkhal in Pragwal near the International Border on the outskirts of Jammu, Azad said, “I am not an astrologer who could tell whether they (BJP) will cross the 400-mark (in the Lok Sabha polls). If it happens, those who failed to take everyone along will be responsible. I feel they all have teamed up with them.”
He was responding to a question about the possibility of the BJP crossing the 400 seat-mark in the upcoming elections and National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah’s concern over the health of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).
“He (Omar) was a minister in the (A B Vajpayee-led) BJP government. He might have remembered his old loyalty,” Azad said.
Azad, a former chief minister of J&K, said he is neither close to the Congress nor the BJP. “Let the Congress speak what they want. For me, if the BJP is doing anything wrong I am the first to criticize and likewise if Congress is doing anything right, I am giving credit to them.”
Azad, who floated Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) in September 2022 after resigning from Congress, welcomed the decision of Prime Minister Modi to award Bharat Ratna to Rao and Singh. “Rao brought Manmohan Singh as his Finance minister when I was Tourism minister in his cabinet. His liberalization policies revolutionized the economy to keep pace with the outside world which was moving ahead of us. I also advocated liberalization policy to end monopoly in air service,” he said, adding that the liberalization policy introduced by the Rao government is being followed by the Modi government as well.
“Singh was the tallest farmer leader and we have not seen anyone among the farming community to come closer to his stature. Recognizing his contribution for the country will boost the morale of the farming community,” he said.
Azad said he is thankful to the prime minister for acknowledging the work of the two leaders in the interest of the nation. “If any work was done for the benefit of the country, it should be appreciated and if the present government is doing this, we should appreciate it.”
On the prevailing situation in Pakistan, the DPAP leader said the free and fair elections in neighbouring countries are a far cry due to the interference of the Army in the electoral process.
“Since the formation of Pakistan, we (India) have had differences with it and Pakistan is responsible for the tension between the two countries. Immediately after independence, Pakistan launched an attack and separated our part which is known as Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Our brothers there are not happy,” he said.
He said while India got democracy and saw a change of Prime Ministers through electoral exercise, they got dictatorship and the army is running the governments there. The public representatives are living at the mercy of the Army which decides who wins or loses.
“We are blessed that our army or anyone else is not interfering in our elections and that is democracy. We pray that such an atmosphere prevails there as well for the benefit of the public,” he said.
On Parliament passing the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024, adding four communities — Gadda Brahmin, Koli, Paddari Tribe, and Pahari Ethnic Group — to the list of Scheduled Tribes in Jammu and Kashmir, Azad said it was a longstanding demand of the people and “we have always supported them on the condition that the reservation enjoyed by Gujjars and Bakerwals remains untouched.”
Earlier, addressing a public gathering at Akhnoor, Azad underscored the unparalleled progress achieved across various sectors, setting a benchmark for governance excellence.
He said, thousands of villages were connected with towns and cities, a feat unprecedented in the history of the region.
Several medical colleges, super-specialty hospitals, district and sub-district hospitals were constructed, significantly improving healthcare accessibility for the citizens.
This monumental achievement stands unmatched by any previous or subsequent administrations. The establishment of numerous colleges, high and higher secondary schools, middle, and primary schools during his tenure reflects a steadfast commitment to education reform, unparalleled in the state’s history. State and central resources were distributed evenly across the state, ensuring equitable development and prosperity for all regions. Stringent measures were implemented to eradicate corruption, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability in governance. Introduction of double and triple shifts in various sectors created a plethora of employment opportunities, bolstering economic growth and prosperity. He said, my tenure witnessed the maintenance of total communal harmony, fostering unity and inclusivity among diverse communities. Proactive steps were taken to promote tourism, showcasing the state’s rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty to the world.
Azad reiterated his commitment to the agenda of development and progress in the ‘state’. He emphasized that his decision to return to state politics and form his own party stems from a dedicated focus on uplifting the poor people and advancing the cause of development. Azad stressed the importance of working for the welfare of the poor and highlighting the need to reject politics driven by hate and communalism. He emphasized the significance of fostering inclusivity and unity to build a stronger and more prosperous society.
The rally was organised by Senior DPAP leader, Er Rattan Lal Dist Gen Secretary. Among others who were present on the occasion included G.M.Saroori Vice Chairman, R.S.Chib Gen Secretary, Jugal Kishore Sharma Provincial President, Gen Secretary Anita Thakur, Vinod Mishra Gen Secretary, Ch Gharu Ram Zonal President, Sunita Arora, Kirtan Singh and others