Ghulam Nabi Azad Set to Contest Lok Sabha Polls From Anantnag-Rajouri Constituency

PTK News Desk

SRINAGAR : Ghulam Nabi Azad, former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, has made a significant stride in his political journey by announcing his candidacy for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency. This move marks Azad’s first electoral foray since his departure from the Congress party in 2022, where he had served for over five decades, to establish his own political entity, the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP).

Taj Mohiuddin, a prominent leader within DPAP, confirmed Azad’s candidacy during a press briefing, stating, “Today the core committee of DPAP met and we have decided that (party president) Ghulam Nabi Azad will contest the Anantnag-Rajouri seat.”

Azad’s decision to contest from this constituency holds significance given its historical and strategic importance within the region. Moreover, this election holds personal resonance for Azad as he aims to secure a seat in the Lok Sabha, having previously contested and lost from the Udhampur constituency in 2014 to BJP leader Jitendra Singh.

In response to inquiries about a potential alliance with the Apni Party led by Altaf Bukhari, Mohiuddin expressed that no substantial progress had been made on that front. He emphasized the need for each party to pursue its electoral strategies independently, stating, “We are short of time and there was not much headway in talks. So it is better they do their bit and we do ours. They were not in any case interested in the Anantnag seat.”

As the electoral landscape in Jammu and Kashmir takes shape, DPAP’s decision to field Ghulam Nabi Azad in the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency sets the stage for an intriguing political contest. With candidates for other Lok Sabha seats in Kashmir yet to be determined, anticipation grows regarding the unfolding dynamics of the upcoming elections.