SAMBA: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and DPAP chairman, Ghulam Nabi Azad has said that his party will contest Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in the Jammu and Kashmir. Talking to media-persons after a large public meeting in Samba on Sunday, Azad said, “We are ready for the Parliamentary as well as Assembly elections. We are not sure whether Assembly elections will be held with the Parliamentary elections or not. But it is clear that Lok Sabha polls will be held in March-April this year,” Azad said. “Our party is also ready for the Assembly elections. We have covered almost all the constituencies, If the few are left, they will also be covered soon. We have received good response from all the constituencies and every section of the society. People still recognize the work culture and development we have shown during the short stint as Chief Minister in J&K. We hope the people will vote for the development leaving aside other emotive slogans,” Azad asserted. Earlier, addressing a large public meeting, Azad said some people have unleashed a propaganda and misleading people that our party symbol is hand which is not true. He said DPAP has not got its election symbol as yet. “Ours is a new party and the election symbol will be allotted to us by the Election Commission of India at least before one month of the elections. We will declare our party symbol after that,” he added. Azad cautioned the people to remain vigilant against this misleading propaganda and said hand (Haath Hamara Chunab Nishan Nahin Hai) is not our Election symbol. Everybody must know it clearly, Azad asserted. Emphasizing his commitment to ensuring equal development across all regions, Azad highlighted his past contributions, including granting district status to Samba and numerous developmental initiatives. He pledged to do even more with the support of the people. Regardless of caste or creed, he emphasized his inclusive approach and said, “I work for all, be it Hindus or Muslims, Sikhs or Christians.” Expressing concern over prevailing issues, he stated that his return to J&K politics was driven by a desire to address the challenges faced by the people, particularly unemployment among the educated youth. Azad recalled his past commitment to a robust work culture during his tenure as CM and vowed to continue that dedication if elected again. He appealed to the people, urging them not to engage in religion politics. Instead, he advocated voting based on principles of development and peace. He publically declared that the party intends to contest all Lok Sabha seats while emphasizing the need for representation in Parliament to address pressing issues. Azad asserted that defeating other parties should be achieved through tangible work, rather than relying on false promises. He emphasized his party’s commitment to the welfare of the people, fighting for their rights, land and jobs. “We don’t change or stand differently in different places. What I speak in Jammu, I speak in Delhi. This underscores my unwavering commitment to transparency and sincerity in addressing the concerns of the public,” he added. Azad urged the Government to prioritize the needs of the people directly impacted by projects. He specifically pointed out the necessity of giving precedence to the local people in development initiatives. Former Chief Minister expressed the commitment to reinstate the Roshni Scheme, emphasizing its potential to address crucial issues and contribute to the well-being of the community. Azad stressed for the urgent need for early and fair elections, emphasizing the pivotal role they play in restoring democratic values and addressing the current challenges faced by the J&K (UT). Azad urged the people to discern between mere rhetoric and concrete actions, asserting that his party’s track record and dedication to the people’s well-being set them apart from others. DPAP general secretary and former Minister RS Chib, Jugal Kishore – former Minister and Provincial president and Vinod Mishra-general secretary. Mishra organized party meeting at Samba. Prominent among others who were present in the public meeting included- Anita Thakur – general secretary, Salman Nizami chief spokesperson, Ch Gharu Ram Zonal president, Subash Gupta Provincial vice president, Ch Riyaz Niaz secretary, Sunita Arora, Anuradha Andotra, Thakur Raghvir Singh Distt Samba, Provincial gen secy Adv Maheshwar Singh, Ashok Bhagat, Vishal Chopra, Kirtan Singh, Fatima Shikari, Jyoti Dogra and others.
