Ghulam Nabi Azad withdraws from polls

Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) Chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad announced on Wednesday that he will not be able to campaign for his candidates in the upcoming assembly elections due to health concerns. Azad revealed that he experienced acute chest pain on the night of August 25 while in Srinagar.

“The following morning, I took the earliest available flight to Delhi and was admitted to AIIMS hospital, where I stayed for two days,” he stated.

Although doctors assured him there was no immediate danger, Azad mentioned that he is dealing with other health issues requiring medication and rest.

“These unforeseen circumstances have forced me to step back from the campaign trail,” he added.

Expressing his regret over being unable to support his party’s candidates during this critical time, Azad urged his colleagues who have filed nomination forms to reassess their campaigns in light of his absence.

“If they feel my absence would impact their chances, they have the freedom to withdraw their candidacy,” he advised.

Azad, former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir and a significant figure in the region’s politics, has been a central player for decades. His absence from the campaign is expected to be a major setback for his party as they navigate the challenging electoral landscape in the current Jammu and Kashmir elections.