Poll announcement sparks crossovers
Our Correspondent
Srinagar, August 17
In a major setback to Ghulam Nabi Azad-led Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), senior leader Taj Mohiuddin resigned from the party on Saturday.
Confirming his resignation, Mohiuddin said he was set to rejoin the Congress. The development comes after the Election Commission announced the Assembly poll for Jammu and Kashmir on Friday.
Mohiuddin, who has a good voter base in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district, had resigned from the Congress to join the Azad-led party in August 2022. A renowned Gujjar leader, Mohiuddin was elected from the border constituency of Uri in Baramulla district in 2002 and 2008 Assembly elections.
The Democratic Progressive Azad Party, which was formed with much fanfare in 2022, was unable to perform well in the recently held Lok Sabha polls.
Three of the party’s candidates who contested Lok Sabha polls — Saleem Parray from Anantnag-Rajouri, GM Saroori from Udhampur and Amir Bhat from Srinagar, even lost their deposits. It remains unclear if the party would contest all seats in the upcoming polls.
Notably, nearly a dozen leaders belonging to the Azad’s party, including a former minister and ex-legislators, had returned to the Congress last year.
Three months after Azad floated his party, he had expelled three senior leaders of the party — former deputy chief minister Tara Chand, former minister Manohar Lal Sharma and former legislator Balwan Singh — for alleged anti-party activities.
Meanwhile, numerous BJP workers officially joined the National Conference on Saturday. Their induction ceremony was held at the residence of Farooq Abdullah, president of the J&K National Conference.
A statement issued by the NC said Abdullah welcomed the new members into the party fold, and asked the party cadre to gear up for the upcoming elections. He urged them to make people aware about the key achievements of the National Conference.
He laid stress upon strengthening the party base at the grassroots level to ensure a strong and united front. He further emphasised that the party was committed to the development and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir. He assured them that the NC would continue to work tirelessly for the welfare of the people, the party statement said.
Prominent NC leaders, including Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, former minister and additional general secretary, were also present during the event.
In a separate statement, the party said Sunny Kant Chib, former state youth coordinator of Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party joined the National Conference along with his supporters during a ceremony held at the Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan in Jammu.
Welcoming the newly joined members, NC additional general secretary Ajay Kumar Sadhotra highlighted the party’s importance in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. “The National Conference has always stood for the rights and development of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The addition of dedicated and passionate individuals like Sunny Kant Chib and his supporters strengthens our resolve to work for the welfare of our state,” the statement cited Sadhotra.
He further said the party had a rich legacy of serving people, and they were committed to continuing this tradition. “The support and participation of leaders like Sunny Kant Chib will undoubtedly contribute to our mission of ensuring peace, progress and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir.”
Sadhotra appealed to party workers to work tirelessly to ensure a resounding victory. “The upcoming Assembly elections are very crucial for the future of our state. I urge all party workers to connect with the grassroots, address the public’s concerns and convey our vision of a prosperous and harmonious Jammu and Kashmir. It is imperative that we approach these elections with unity, dedication, and a clear focus on our shared goals,” he stated.
