All four candidates had filed their papers from parts of Azad’s home turf in the Chenab Valley, formerly the Doda district. Azad had reportedly left suddenly for New Delhi, giving his party candidates the option to contest the election based on their personal choice.
Although elections for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly are being held after a gap of ten years, the ongoing election process is witnessing the absence of three former chief ministers – Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti, and Ghulam Nabi Azad – from the electoral arena.
Earlier speculations were rife that Azad might return to Congress before the assembly elections, but this was denied by the DPAP.
The Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) on Sunday clarified that party chairman and senior leader Ghulam Nabi Azad is not rejoining the Congress Party.
DPAP's denial on the issue has come amidst the season of defection that set in immediately after the Election Commission announced the schedule for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections.
Pilot said, "Congress is an old party with the same rules for everyone, no matter how senior. I believe, Kharge Ji will soon take action."
The veteran leader also unveiled the party flag that consists of three vertical strips of mustard, white and deep blue colours at a press conference in Jammu.
A resolution of the newly-elected delegates was moved by PCC President Vikar Rasool Wani in a meeting held under chairmanship of Pradesh Returning Officer (PRO) Ranjit Ranjan MP in the presence of AICC In-charge J&K affairs Rajni Patil MP.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the Congress, veteran leader Karan Singh on Friday said his relations with the grand old party are almost zero.
He reiterated that the party that he will form would focus on restoration of J&K's statehood, security of land and jobs.
