Anantnag, April 17: Ghulam Nabi Azad, the chief of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) and former Congress leader, has announced his decision to withdraw from contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections slated for 2024. Azad’s decision comes after he was nominated by DPAP to run for the Anantnag-Rajouri Parliamentary constituency.
According to sources, the decision was made by Azad during a meeting held in Anantnag on Wednesday. His withdrawal from the election race was unexpected and signifies a notable development in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
On April 2, Azad’s nomination as DPAP’s candidate for the Anantnag-Rajouri seat was confirmed by Senior leadership of DPAP during a press conference of the party, in a statement posted on a social media platform. This nomination set the stage for an anticipated electoral contest against prominent candidates such as Mehbooba Mufti from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Mian Altaf Ahmad representing the INDIA bloc under the banner of the National Conference.
With Ghulam Nabi Azad’s decision not to contest, the electoral dynamics in the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency undergo a significant shift. Azad’s candidacy was expected to introduce a compelling dimension to the electoral competition, given his political experience and the formation of his new party, DPAP, in September 2022.
Azad’s move to step back from the Lok Sabha contest raises questions about the future strategy and direction of DPAP in the region. The party, established by Azad after parting ways with the Congress, has been actively positioning itself as a viable alternative in Jammu and Kashmir’s political arena.
The focus now shifts to the remaining candidates vying for the Anantnag-Rajouri seat, particularly Mehbooba Mufti and Mian Altaf Ahmad, who continue to be key contenders in the upcoming elections.
Ghulam Nabi Azad’s decision reflects the fluid and evolving nature of political alliances and strategies in Jammu and Kashmir, underscoring the complexities inherent in the region’s electoral landscape.