Ghulam Nabi Azad announces fight for J&K’s statehood for LS campaign

Ghulam Nabi Azad, the leader of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) and contender for the Anantnag–Rajouri constituency in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, has pledged to prioritize the reinstatement of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood as his foremost battle in the Lower House.

Addressing reporters on Wednesday, Azad underscored the urgency of the statehood issue, emphasizing that Jammu and Kashmir’s current status as a Union Territory (UT) demands immediate redressal. He recalled his fervent advocacy in the Rajya Sabha following the abrogation of Article 370 and expressed his intent to continue the fight in the Lok Sabha.

Azad revealed that his decision to contest the elections stemmed from the urging of his colleagues, particularly from South Kashmir and Pir Panjal, who stressed the significance of his candidacy for victory. Despite initially harboring no intentions of electoral participation, Azad’s resolve was fueled by the pressing need to address the uncertainty surrounding the region’s political future, especially in light of the pending Assembly Elections.

The DPAP announced Azad’s candidacy for the Anantnag–Rajouri seat during a core committee meeting on Tuesday, marking a significant juncture in the veteran politician’s political journey. Azad’s departure from the Congress in 2022 after a five-decade-long association led to the formation of the DPAP, signifying a new phase of independent political engagement.

For Azad, this electoral contest marks a return to the Lok Sabha arena since his defeat in the 2014 Udhampur constituency race against BJP’s Jitendra Singh. Having previously served as a member of the Lok Sabha from Washim constituency in Maharashtra and later as a Rajya Sabha representative, Azad’s political trajectory has been illustrious, including his tenure as Jammu and Kashmir’s chief minister.

Azad’s entry into the electoral fray has intensified anticipation for the Anantnag–Rajouri constituency, heralding a multi-cornered contest with prominent contenders like Mian Altaf Ahmad of the National Conference. As the BJP and the PDP gear up to announce their respective candidates, the electoral landscape of Jammu and Kashmir braces for heightened activity.

Scheduled for polling on May 7th in the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections, the Anantnag constituency, encompassing regions across the Pir Panjal range post-delimitation, stands as a pivotal battleground, poised to witness a dynamic electoral spectacle.