Ghulam Nabi Azad Supports Independent Candidates in Jammu and Kashmir Elections
Ghulam Nabi Azad, Chief of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party, has urged support for independent candidates in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. Speaking at a rally in Anantnag, Azad emphasized the importance of independent candidates in democracy.
Azad said, “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 highlighted that his previous government was supported by 22 independent candidates, which helped run the government for six years.
Earlier in August, former Jammu and Kashmir minister Taj Mohiuddin announced his resignation from Azad’s party and his intention to rejoin Congress, calling it a “homecoming.”
Other political leaders, including People Democratic Party Chief Mehbooba Mufti and National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah, have raised concerns that independent candidates could help the BJP in key constituencies. Omar Abdullah mentioned that the BJP might form a government with independent candidates if needed.
The 2024 Assembly elections will be the first local elections in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370. Elections will be held in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1, with vote counting on October 8.
Doubts Revealed
Ghulam Nabi Azad -: Ghulam Nabi Azad is an Indian politician who was a senior leader in the Indian National Congress before forming his own party, the Democratic Progressive Azad Party.
Democratic Progressive Azad Party -: This is a political party in India founded by Ghulam Nabi Azad after he left the Indian National Congress.
Independent candidates -: These are candidates who run in elections without being affiliated with any political party.
Jammu and Kashmir -: Jammu and Kashmir is a region in northern India that has its own legislative assembly and has been a subject of political and territorial disputes.
Assembly elections -: These are elections held to choose representatives for the legislative assembly of a state or region in India.
Anantnag -: Anantnag is a district in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Omar Abdullah -: Omar Abdullah is an Indian politician and the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party, which is one of the major political parties in India.
Abrogation of Article 370 -: Article 370 was a part of the Indian Constitution that gave special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir. It was removed in August 2019.
Three phases -: This means the elections will be conducted in three separate stages or parts, rather than all at once.