My politics centered on development, peace not false slogans: Azad

Srinagar, Sep 12: Chairman of Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) and former chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad Thursday commenced his election campaign from south Kashmir and called for an end to false promises and empty slogans, advocating instead for a politics centred on real development and progress for the people.

Addressing a gathering at Anantnag in support of DPAP candidate Mir Altaf, Azad urged the people to support a new era of politics that prioritises development, peace, and prosperity in J&K.

He thanked his well-wishers for the blessings and prayers during his recent illness. “I was unwell, but with the blessings and prayers of my well-wishers, I am recovering. Now, I have come to stand with my candidates, whose only aim is to help people and become their voice,” Azad said.

He said that the leaders in his party were not driven by the hunger for power but focused on bringing meaningful change to their constituencies.

“This is the only mission I have,” Azad said.

He also expressed disappointment with the way other parties use false slogans to mislead the people, questioning why they could not be truthful and focus on real development issues.

“For how long will they continue to exploit the people?” Azad said. “I cannot leave my people in the hands of those who will only further exploit them.”

He reaffirmed his commitment to stand by his people and work for their betterment, challenging other parties to speak the truth and address genuine development needs.

Azad slammed the parties that seek to defame independent candidates saying, “Everyone has the freedom to participate in elections. No one is the custodian of J&K.”

He stressed the importance of democratic participation, especially for the youth, whether they belong to his party or others.

“If people, especially the youth, want to participate in elections, even those who have left my party, I will not speak against them. Instead, we must support them,” Azad said.

He stressed the need to encourage and welcome those who wish to join the mainstream and contribute to the political process.

“I left national politics to bring change in J&K. I have to complete the pending works which were my dream because I was not able to complete my term as a chief minister,” Azad said.

He highlighted his developmental achievements both as the chief minister and as the union health minister, saying, “The development which I have done as the CM and the union health minister is in the public domain.”

Azad challenged other political parties to present their accomplishments, saying, “I challenge the other parties to show me their work. They will only exploit people.”

Reflecting on his tenure as chief minister, he said, “As a CM, I established eight districts and secretariats where all officers are available in one building. We set up 41 Government Degree Colleges, developed the Tulip Garden, introduced a double and triple shift work culture, and built several hospitals, schools, roads, flyovers, Hajj House, and Yatri Niwas. We have to push this development further.”