Azad bats for assembly polls in J&K soon after Lok Sabha polls

Srinagar, Mar 9:  Stating that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had been waiting for years and could not wait any longer, Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chief Ghulam Nabi Azad Saturday demanded holding assembly elections in the union territory soon after the Lok Sabha polls.

Talking to reporters in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on the sidelines of his public rally, he said, “We have been waiting for the assembly polls for years. We hope that the polls take place immediately after the parliamentary election. I think people of J&K cannot wait anymore now.”

Regarding the upcoming visit of the Election Commission (EC) officials to J&K, Azad described it as routine, highlighting that the ECI begins preparing for elections months in advance.

He also commented on the restoration of J&K’s statehood, saying that it would be reinstated.

About the meeting of NC leaders with top leadership in New Delhi, Azad defended his statements about NC leaders meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi after dark.

In response, Abdullahs questioned Azad's motives and criticised his remarks.

Azad also took a swipe at the leaders who take extended vacations, contrasting their leisurely schedules with his busy agenda.

He emphasised his commitment to his work, saying that he rarely takes holidays and was always in his senses.

“I am in my senses 24 hours a day. Only those people who do not remain in their senses who have time to take holidays. I do not go on vacations. I do not have time to take a holiday. For the first time in 18 months, I went to Gulmarg for half a day because a meeting was cancelled. Those leaders, who are on vacation for months together, what can they say?” he said.

Regarding the split in the People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), Azad refrained from commenting, saying that it was the concern of the constituent parties.

He also addressed speculation about his candidacy in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

“We haven’t yet decided whether we will contest from the Anantnag-Rajouri seat,” he said.