Kishtwar, April 14: Ghulam Nabi Azad, Chairman of the DPAP, strongly criticized the National Conference (NC) and Congress for their alleged exploitation of the secular vote in the Chenab Valley during a public meeting in Kishtwar.
Azad accused the NC and Congress of dividing the secular vote by fielding candidates with communal track records, which, he claimed, benefited the BJP. He questioned the parties’ contributions to the region over the past decade, challenging them to highlight concrete efforts in building infrastructure like schools, roads, and colleges.
During his address, Azad described the NC and Congress leaders as “tourists” who exploit the region’s populace for political gain. He urged the public to be vigilant against parties that manipulate voters and emphasized the importance of focusing on development rather than divisive politics.
Azad also criticized the leadership failures within the Congress, attributing BJP’s electoral gains partly to Congress’s internal shortcomings and lack of democratic processes.
Further, Azad lambasted the NC and other regional parties for abandoning their agendas of self-rule and autonomy, accusing them of exploiting people’s sentiments without fulfilling their promises.
Reaffirming DPAP’s commitment to development and peace, Azad highlighted the party’s focus on building essential infrastructure and ensuring the welfare of the community. He expressed confidence in his party’s candidate, G.M. Saroori, to champion the people’s issues with dedication and honesty.
Azad concluded by emphasizing the importance of voting based on candidates’ performance and urged the people of the Chenab Valley to unite for the region’s progress, transcending religious and caste considerations. He reiterated the secular ethos of the region and called for collective efforts towards comprehensive development.