In a significant development from Ghulam Nabi Azad’s home turf in the Chenab Valley, four candidates from the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) have withdrawn their nomination papers ahead of the assembly elections, leaving only two candidates from the party in the fray.
The withdrawals have opened the field for Congress and National Conference (NC) candidates to challenge the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The first to withdraw was Muhammad Aslam Goni, the DPAP candidate from Bhaderwah, a constituency where Azad himself was elected to the legislative assembly after becoming Chief Minister in 2006.
Goni stated, “I watched a rally of the BJP leader. They are spending huge sums on election rallies. I will support the secular forces, and the withdrawal of my candidature is aimed at consolidating the votes for the secular forces. Unfortunately, the coalition of NC and Congress is fighting a friendly match, which would not benefit the people of Bhaderwah or Jammu and Kashmir.”
Following Goni, Fatima Begum, the DPAP candidate from Inderwal, also withdrew her nomination. She had previously served as a Block Development Council (BDC) Chairperson. Fatima Begum’s exit is particularly notable as Ghulam Muhammad Saroori, an independent candidate and former close aide of Azad, is contesting from the same constituency.
Additionally, from the Ramban district, both DPAP candidates, Girdhari Lal Bhau from Ramban and Asif Khanday from Banihal, have also withdrawn their nominations. Khanday cited Ghulam Nabi Azad’s health as a key reason for his decision, stating that he will “stand behind Azad at every point.”
Despite these withdrawals, two DPAP candidates remain in the race in Chenab Valley: Abdul Majid Wani from Doda and Abdul Gani Bhat from Doda West.
They have pledged to contest with full force, while other DPAP candidates from South Kashmir continue their campaigns, determined to test the waters.
Goni further appealed to the people of Chenab Valley, urging, “My appeal to the people of Chenab Valley is to choose the best candidate from the respective constituencies rather than focusing on having many candidates in a single seat. It will divide our votes and help the communal forces in the region.”