Banihal, Apr 16: Chairman Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) Ghulam Nabi Azad today said that National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah was Chief Minister (CM) of Jammu and Kashmir because of his support.
According to a press note, he was addressing a public meeting at Khari area in Banihal. Azad denounced Omar’s lack of gratitude. The DPAP Chairman said, “I want to ask Omar Abdullah, if you served as Chief Minister for six years, it was because of the support of my MLAs. I extended your tenure by sharing the alliance. You did not do any favours. The MLAs who supported you for the Chief Ministership are still with me.”
Azad stated that 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 could not endure a day in jail like him. They are riding on his political coattails without achieving anything significant on their own. Omar was an ineffective chief minister,” Azad said.
He emphasised his unwavering commitment to development, dismissing the rhetoric of certain leaders whom he views as exploiters. Azad criticised their habit of chanting slogans in Kashmir only to retreat to foreign vacations, leaving the impoverished people to bear the brunt.
Azad criticized the Congress party for directing unwarranted attacks towards him rather than focusing on crucial issues. He highlighted the party’s failure to address pressing matters such as Article 370 and 35A, emphasisng 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,” he said.
Yet, even today, their leadership remains conspicuously silent on the issue.” Press Note:In a forceful rebuke of the National Conference (NC), Chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad castigated their governance track record in Jammu and Kashmir, spanning over 70 years. Azad 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.