Ghulam Nabi Azad, leader of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), has announced that he will not participate in campaigning for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, citing health issues as the reason for his withdrawal. This decision comes after Azad experienced chest pain and was subsequently admitted to AIIMS in New Delhi. His absence is expected to impact his party’s prospects, particularly in key constituencies where his influence could have swayed voters.
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- Ghulam Nabi Azad, leader of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), will not campaign in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections due to health issues.
- Azad formed the DPAP in September 2022 after resigning from the Congress party.
- He experienced chest pain on August 25 and was admitted to AIIMS in New Delhi on August 26.
- The announcement of his withdrawal came after 13 DPAP candidates filed their nominations for the first phase of elections scheduled for September 18.
- Azad’s absence from the campaign is expected to affect DPAP’s prospects in Doda and Bhaderwah, areas with significant voter bases from his native regions.
- DPAP candidate Abdul Majeed Wani in Doda and Muhammad Aslam Goni in Bhaderwah will have to rely on their efforts without Azad’s support.
- The Bhaderwah seat, in particular, faces a tight contest with candidates from Congress, BJP, and the National Conference also in the fray.
- In the Chenab Valley region, other DPAP candidates will similarly need to campaign without the advantage of Azad’s prominent support.
- The DPAP has announced its candidate list for the upcoming elections, with notable figures like Abdul Majeed Wani and Muhammad Aslam Goni among them.
- The elections are being closely watched as DPAP candidates across various constituencies prepare to engage voters independently in the absence of their leader.
