Ghulam Nabi Azad, former chief Minister of Jammu Kashmir is likely to step aside his candidature from Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seat, sources informed The Kashmiriyat. However, the party so far has not made any official announcements yet.
Top sources within Democratic Progressive Azad Party, who wished to remain anonymous said that the party is holding wider deliberations in this regard in all district headquarters including Srinagar and Anantnag.
One of such meetings was held at Dak Bungalow Anantnag, where several party leaders, DDC members expressed anguish over Azad’s withdrawal from the Lok Sabha race on the crucial Anantnag-Rajouri seat, however, several party leaders have threatened the party that they will leave the party if the decision persists.
A senior party leader confirmed to The Kashmiriyat that despite the earlier decision of the party to field Ghulam Nabi Azad, the decision is still under consideration. “We are discussing about our preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and the decisions of the high command will be respected in terms of the candidate,” said Ruby Jan, a senior leader of DPAP.
Sources said that various discussions are underway for a coalition in the Kashmir valley between Apni Party and Azad led DPAP, however, the party is still undecided about it. “We are discussing the decision, but nothing has been finalised. A meeting is scheduled tomorrow where all these things will be cleared,” said the senior DPAP leader.
Mohammed Yusuf Gorsi, senior DPAP leader and DDC chairman said that the party has already announced its candidate and tomorrow the speculations will be put at rest.
Sources informed The Kashmiriyat that several party leaders have threatened the leadership that they will quit the party, if Azad does not contest the Lok Sabha elections, a claim that the party denies.
She denied the reports of mass resignations from south Kashmir.
Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti and Man Altaf will also contest the Lok Sabha polls from the Anantnag-Rajouri seat.
The announcement of support to Mian Altaf, an influential Gujar leader, by Mohamed Yusuf Tarigami, has made the newly carved out Lok constituency the most high-profile contest in Jammu Kashmir in upcoming general elections.
Apni Party has named Zaffar Iqbal Manhas and the BJP is likely to not field any candidates.