Chairman Democratic Progressive Azad Party, Ghulam Nabi Azad on Tuesday lambasted the Congress party for directing unwarranted attacks towards him rather than focusing on crucial issues.
Addressing a public meeting in Khari area of tehsil Banihal in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir, Azad highlighted the party's failure to address pressing matters such as Article 370 and 35A, emphasizing their misplaced priorities.
He said, “Congress's relentless attacks stem from their frustration over DPAP's growing popularity and acceptance. Instead of confronting the BJP or addressing public concerns, they choose to target us. Where does Congress stand on Article 370? It was I who fought for it in Parliament, while Congress MPs sided with the BJP government. Yet, even today, their leadership remains conspicuously silent on the issue.”
In a forceful rebuke of the National Conference (NC), Azad castigated their governance track record in Jammu and Kashmir, spanning over 70 years.
He questioned the party's legacy of violence and hollow promises, accusing them of exploiting the populace.
He countered recent assertions by Omar Abdullah, reminding him of the pivotal role Azad’s MLAs played in his six-year tenure as Chief Minister.
Azad denounced Abdullah's lack of gratitude as indicative of his character.
He stated, “I want to ask Omar Abdullah, if you served as Chief Minister for 6 years, it was because of the support of my MLAs. I extended your tenure by sharing the alliance. You didn't do any favors. The MLAs who supported you for the Chief Ministership are still with me.”
He added, “When Farooq Abdullah left J&K due to militancy, it was my initiative that brought him back. At that time, the NC was in a precarious state. While I hold great respect for Dr. Farooq Abdullah, his son displays a lack of political maturity and understanding.”
For how long will they bask in the legacy of Sheikh Abdullah? They couldn’t endure a day in jail like him. They’re riding on his political coattails without achieving anything significant on their own, he added.
He was an ineffective Chief Minister, said Azad and emphasized his unwavering commitment to development, dismissing the rhetoric of certain leaders whom he views as exploiters.
upcoming elections.
