Azad, a former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, expresses his commitment to highlighting the concerns of the people in Parliament
Jammu & Kashmir: Chairman of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), Ghulam Nabi Azad announced the party’s participation in the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
Azad, a former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, expresses his commitment to highlighting the concerns of the people in Parliament. “I aim for our party candidates to secure seats in the Lok Sabha, ensuring that the concerns of the common people in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as those facing unemployment, poverty, and deprivation, find representation in Parliament,” Azad said.
Azad alleged the existence of an “Officers Raj” in the region, emphasizing the need for elected representatives who can effectively address the grievances of the common people. People of my state, whether residing in urban or rural areas, face challenges due to the absence of a responsive government, MLAs, ministers, and a Chief Minister to address their grievances,” he said.
Azad further alleged that officers from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and other states show minimal concern for local issues in J&K, citing the transient nature of non-local officers who stay for two years before moving to another place of posting.
He called for public support for DPAP candidates, aiming to secure seats in both the Lok Sabha and Assembly.
Highlighting key issues, Azad focused on the restoration of statehood, land matters, and job security for locals. He asserted that his party, if elected, would prioritize the socio-economic empowerment of the people, particularly those residing in hilly areas.
Azad urged voters to differentiate between candidates who work towards the welfare of the people and those who contribute to systematic dis-empowerment. He further cautioned against voting based on faith alone, emphasizing the importance of choosing competent leaders for effective governance.
“Living in the hilly areas, we’ve felt neglected for far too long. Azad’s assurance of special attention to these regions gives us hope for a better future. We need leaders who understand the diverse needs of our communities,” said Gul Khan, a local.
As the Lok Sabha elections are expected after March 2024, with the possibility of concurrent or subsequent Assembly polls, DPAP’s entry into the political arena adds a new dimension to the electoral landscape in Jammu and Kashmir.
The party aims to bring the voices of the unemployed, poor, and deprived sections to the forefront of national discourse.
