I left Delhi to serve people of J&K: Azad

Anantnag, Apr 19: Accompanied by party chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad, the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) candidate for Anantnag -Lok Sabha seat Mohammad Saleem Parray on Friday filed his nomination papers.

On Wednesday, the party announced the candidature of Parray after Azad decided against contesting the polls from the constituency.

Speaking to reporters, Azad said that he chose not to contest the elections as he wanted to serve the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

"I left Delhi solely to serve the people of J & K. After my party nominated me as Lok Sabha candidate, the people reminded me of my commitment, spurring me to refrain from contesting the election," he said.

Azad said that he instructed his party leaders to steer clear of criticising their political adversaries.

"I told my party workers to avoid indulging in political bickering henceforth, and work to further the party's agenda for serving the people, "he said.

Azad said that he was hopeful that his candidate from Udhampur Lok Sabha seat emerges victorious.

He, however, said that the Election Commission's decision to hold elections during April impacted the poll percentage. "During this season, the region experiences rains which affect the voting percentage," he said. Azad said that his candidate for Anantnag Lok Sabah seat is well educated and capable to represent the people in parliament.

"He is a young lawyer and would represent people in lower and High Court. Now he would represent them in the parliament,"DPAP Chairman said.