“Who says they have no role in democracy”: Ghulam Nabi Azad advocates for independent candidates

ANANTNAG: Democratic Progressive Azad Party Chief, Ghulam Nabi Azad, on Thursday advocated for independent candidates contesting in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls.

Addressing a public rally in Anantnag, Azad appealed that all the independent candidates should be made successful in the polls.

“Democracy means a system where everyone has the right to become Chief Minister. Some people from my party have left, but they are good people. I appeal that all independent candidates should be made successful,” he said.

“The government of Mufti Sahab and mine was formed with the support of 22 independent candidates. I had 22 MLAs from Congress, and Mufti Sahab had 16, but the 22 independent candidates helped run our government for six years. Who says that independent candidates have no role in democracy?” Azad emphasised.

Earlier in August, former Jammu and Kashmir minister Taj Mohiuddin announced his resignation from Azad’s party.

Mohiuddin told ANI over the phone that he would rejoin the Congress soon. He described his return to Congress as a “homecoming.”

People Democratic Party Chief Mehbooba Mufti and National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah, have raised concerns that these independent candidates can help BJP in key constituencies.

Omar Abdullah said on September 8 that the BJP is keeping the door open for a post-poll alliance with parties such as the People’s Conference and Apni Party.

Addressing the party workers in the Shalbugh area of Ganderbal, Omar said, “During a press conference in Jammu yesterday, Home Minister Amit Shah was saying the names of parties with which they will not be forming a government. He didn’t mention several parties, including Engineer Rashid’s party, Apni Party, Peoples Conference…. This means that tomorrow, if the BJP wants, it can form the government with them.”

He further claimed that the BJP, if needed, will form a government with independent candidates. Omar Abdullah is contesting on two seats and independent candidates have also filed nominations against him.

Notably, the 2024 Assembly elections will mark the first local elections in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370. Elections will be held in three phases in September and October – September 18, September 25, and October 1 and the counting of votes will take place on October 8. (ANI)