Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) leader Ghulam Nabi Azad has voiced concerns about the perceived alliance between Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Azad, former Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, believes that Congress's actions indirectly favor the BJP's electoral success.
Azad expressed disappointment that despite the efforts of 23 leaders seeking change within Congress, the party's top leadership did not heed their concerns. He remarked that at times, Congress seemed to echo BJP's rhetoric, leading him to question if there was an alliance between the two parties. According to Azad, crucial issues such as poverty, unemployment, and inflation should be the focus of all political parties, regardless of their affiliations.
Critically, Azad criticized various political parties and separatists for contributing to turmoil in Kashmir, citing the significant loss of life and the exodus of leaders from the region. He emphasized the need to remember the developmental initiatives undertaken during his tenure as Jammu & Kashmir's chief minister.
The Lok Sabha elections are set to commence on April 19 across multiple phases, with voting scheduled in different regions of Jammu & Kashmir on various dates. This election holds particular significance as it follows the Supreme Court's decision to uphold the abrogation of Article 370 and the division of the state into two union territories. Additionally, the apex court has mandated the Election Commission of India to conduct assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir before September 30, 2024.