Is Ghulam Nabi Azad Merging His Party With Congress?
The Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), led by Ghulam Nabi Azad, has dismissed recent rumours of a potential merger with the Congress party. In a circular issued by the DPAP, the party’s chief spokesperson Salman Nizami addressed the speculation, stating that “rumours are being spread by Congress leaders of Jammu & Kashmir” about Mr. Azad and his party rejoining Congress. The spokesperson made it clear that there has been no contact between Azad and any Congress leader, asserting that the rumors are “totally baseless and false.”
The statement emphasized that these claims are an attempt to create confusion and weaken the DPAP. The spokesperson urged party members and the media not to fall for these rumours, reiterating that Azad has not approached Congress, nor has Congress reached out to him.
“Rumours are being spread by Congress leaders of Jammu & Kashmir for the last two weeks that Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad and his party is joining Congress. It is also being spread that Mr. Azad was approached by the Central Congress leadership to join the Congress Party. As chief spokesperson of DPAP, let me make it clear, on behalf of the party Chairman, that ever since Mr. Azad has left Congress Party, neither Mr. Azad has approached any congress leader nor any congress leader has ever approached Mr. Azad directly or telephonically. Thus, these rumours are totally baseless and false, just to create confusion and break our party. Mr. Azad has requested all our party leaders and workers not to get into this trap and also requested the media persons not to give any importance to these rumours,” Salman Nizami said in the same statement.
Ghulam Nabi Azad, a veteran politician and former leader of the Indian National Congress, parted ways with the Congress in August 2022 after more than five decades of association. His departure was marked by a scathing resignation letter in which he criticized the party’s leadership, particularly targeting Rahul Gandhi for his alleged immaturity and lack of direction. Azad’s exit came as a significant blow to the Congress, especially in Jammu & Kashmir, where he had considerable influence.
Following his resignation, Azad formed the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) in September 2022, marking a new chapter in his political career. The party aimed to focus on the development of Jammu & Kashmir and address the region’s specific issues. Since its inception, DPAP has sought to establish itself as a significant political force in the region, positioning itself as an alternative to both Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
