STATE TIMES NEWS
BANIHAL: Chairman Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), Ghulam Nabi Azad on Tuesday countered recent assertions by the National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah, reminding him of the pivotal role his (Azad’s) MLAs played in his six-year tenure as Chief Minister.
Addressing a public meeting at Banihal’s Khari, Azad denounced Omar Abdullah’s lack of gratitude as indicative of his character, saying:”I want to ask Omar Abdullah, if you served as Chief Minister for six years, it was because of the support of my MLAs. I extended your tenure by sharing the alliance. You didn’t do any favours. The MLAs, who supported you for the Chief Ministership are still with me.”
Azad forcefully rebuked the National Conference and castigated its governance track record in Jammu and Kashmir, spanning decades and questioned the party’s legacy of violence and hollow promises. He accused the National Conference of exploiting the people .
He added, “When Farooq Abdullah left J&K due to militancy, it was my initiative that brought him back. At that time, the NC was in a precarious state. While I hold great respect for Dr. Farooq Abdullah, his son displays lack of political maturity and understanding. For how long will they bask in the legacy of Sheikh Abdullah? They couldn’t endure a day in jail like him. They’re riding on his political coattails without achieving anything significant on their own. He was an ineffective Chief Minister.”
Azad also lambasted the Congress for directing unwarranted attacks towards him rather than focusing on crucial issues. He highlighted the party’s failure to address pressing matters such as Article 370 and 35A, emphasizing their misplaced priorities.
He said, “Congress’s relentless attacks stem from their frustration over DPAP’s growing popularity and acceptance. Instead of confronting the BJP or addressing public concerns, they choose to target us. Where does Congress stand on Article 370? It was I who fought for it in Parliament, while Congress MPs sided with the BJP government. Yet, even today, their leadership remains conspicuously silent on the issue.”
Azad emphasized his unwavering commitment to development, dismissing the rhetoric of certain leaders whom he views as exploiters.
Azad criticized their habit of chanting slogans in Kashmir only to retreat to foreign vacations, leaving the impoverished people to bear the brunt.
He underscored the urgent need to uplift the underprivileged by investing in essential infrastructure such as roads, schools, colleges, hospitals, tehsils, universities, and tourism spots.
Azad stressed that genuine progress requires tangible actions, not just hollow words. He pledged to establish degree colleges, primary health centers, hospitals, expand road networks, and create new tehsils if DPAP assumes power.
Azad urged the people not to fall prey to religious politics and instead vote for his candidate, G.M. Saroori, known for his integrity and diligence, who will champion public concerns in Parliament.
Chief Spokesperson Salman Nizami, reassured Azad of the unwavering support of the people of Banihal for his leadership, pledging to secure victory for his cause in
