STATE TIMES NEWS

ANANTNAG: Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chief Ghulam Nabi Azad on Monday said the results of the Parliament elections can be strange as there is a direct fight between the NDA and the regional parties in most states of the country.
The former Congress leader said since the Congress government is in just two-three states, in other states, there are different regional parties. So, the contest is with them, he said.

My agenda peace, development

“So, the results can be strange,” he said, adding that he neither favours the NDA nor the INDIA bloc.
Azad was talking to reporters in Anantnag district during a roadshow to canvas for party candidate Mohammad Saleem Parray.
“The contest is not the same everywhere. It is different in every state. At most places, it is a direct fight between the NDA and the regional parties. Where there is a Congress government, the fight is between the Congress and the BJP,” he said.
“I know which region or state supports which party. But I do not want to favour any party nor do I want to say anything against any other. We are not with the NDA or the UPA or the INDIA alliance. Our duty is to be neutral,” he said.
Asked if the election results can be unexpected, he said the results are always unexpected. Meanwhile, the DPAP has announced to field its district president for Srinagar, Amir Bhatt, from the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency.
Bhatt’s candidature was announced after a meeting which was chaired by Azad.
Azad also slammed the regional parties of Kashmir for propagating false slogans to deceive and mislead innocent Kashmiris.
He emphasized the need to refrain from misleading them further, advocating instead for a manifesto focused on promising development and infrastructure.
Addressing a mega rally after roadshow in Bul Bul Nowgam, Anantnag, Azad lambasted both the regional parties, asserting that the two primary parties have sidelined discussions on development.
He said: “Over the years, we’ve seen a betrayal of promises. The two parties in Kashmir sold dreams of autonomy and self-rule, which they conveniently forget now. Countless lives have been lost, many blinded. But what have we gained? Where are the hospitals, schools, colleges, roads promised? Kashmir cries out for peace, for development, for jobs. Yet, I stand alone in raising these crucial issues, while others remain silent”.
Azad affirmed: “My agenda solely revolves around development and peace. Throughout my five decades in politics, I have never resorted to false slogans to exploit people. My record speaks for itself. We prioritized development and achieved peace in Kashmir. No one can challenge my work, which promoted a culture of double and triple shifts. Moving forward, my goal is to enhance development in Jammu and Kashmir by establishing more schools, districts, hospitals, and roads”.
Azad underscored the pivotal role of youth in shaping the nation’s future during a recent address.
He stated: “I have delegated authority to emerging leaders like Adv. Saleem Parray and Amir Bhatt. The youth are the architects of tomorrow, and it is imperative to entrust them with responsibilities. With our guidance and their enthusiasm, they hold the key to driving positive change.
Azad highlighted his vocal opposition in Parliament against the revocation of Article 370, condemned acts of Triple Talaq and lynchings, and raised concerns regarding the implementation of the NRC.
He noted with disappointment the conspicuous silence of Congress leaders on these pressing matters, even in the present day.
Azad cited this silence as one of the significant reason contributing his decision to part ways with the Congress party.
He said: “We are Azad, My party is Azad. We are not anyone’s team. My sole agenda revolves around fostering development and peace. Throughout my political journey, I have adhered steadfastly to principles, never compromising for political expediency. Self-respect and integrity have been my guiding lights. When it became evident that the advice offered by seasoned leaders like myself was not heeded by the younger leadership within the Congress party, we made the decision to part ways. With a sense of resolve, we bid farewell and embarked on our grassroots mission”.
Furthermore, Azad earnestly appealed to the people to support Adv. Saleem Parray in the upcoming elections.
He described Adv. Parray as a paragon of honesty, education, and a seasoned leader, uniquely positioned to amplify the voices of the people in Parliament.
Among others present on the occasion were Adv Saleem Parray candidate, chief spokesperson Salman Nizami, Provincial Gen Secretary Altaf Mir, Secretary Shuby Jan and others.