Elections are crucial for existence, survival of J&K: Azad

Srinagar, Nov 11: The former chief minister and Democratic Progressive Azad Party ( DPAP) chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad on Saturday said that elections are crucial for the existence and survival of Jammu and Kashmir.

According to a press release he was addressing a gathering in Bijbehara, Anantnag. On the occasion, Sarwar Mufti, the first cousin of PDP president Mehbooba Mufti joined the party along with hundreds of his workers. Sarwar has prematurely retired from services to join the DPAP following his faith and trust in the leadership of Ghulam Nabi Azad.

Azad warned people against falling in trap by some political parties or candidates and wasting their ballot. He said this is the crucial time for the people of Jammu and Kashmir who have to choose their leader carefully without falling into the sentiments or trap since the situation post 2019 has changed substantially. “There have been lot of people in the political field with some invisible support and aiming to contest elections but this vote belongs to the one who is sincere for the people and their rights,” said.

The former chief minister said that it is the fight for existence and survival and any misadventure would create disaster in the elections if people are not voting properly and choosing their leader cautiously. Azad, however, reiterated a demand for elections and said that administrative set up is nowhere replica to elected democracy. “Officers might do a good work but that does not mean it is in any case substitute to democracy where people directly elected their representatives. So it is the time to hold elections and allow people to choose their representatives,” he said.

The DPAP chairman said that earlier the votes were sought on issues of smaller significance but these upcoming elections would hold a greater significance since the lands and jobs of the people of Jammu and Kashmir are at stake. “I have assured my people to safeguard their land, resources and jobs. So I need their support and vote to form the government of my own in an order to do so,” he said.