Srinagar: In a shocking turn of events, the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) has been dealt a devastating blow ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. Founder president Ghulam Nabi Azad announced his inability to campaign for party candidates due to “unforeseen circumstances,” leaving the party’s future uncertain.Azad’s statement has sparked panic among DPAP candidates, who now face an uphill battle without their leader’s presence. The party’s spokesperson, Salman Nizami, attempted to downplay the situation, claiming Azad’s announcement only affects the first phase of polling. However, the lack of clarity on candidate lists for subsequent phases raises concerns about the party’s viability.Since its inception in 2022, the DPAP has struggled to gain traction. The Assembly elections were seen as a crucial test for Azad, but his party’s prospects now seem bleak. The exodus of senior leaders, including former Deputy CM Tara Chand and ex-minister Abdul Rashid Dar, has weakened the party. The DPAP’s poor performance in the Lok Sabha elections, where both nominees lost their security deposits, further exacerbated the situation.Azad’s surprise decision to withdraw from the campaign trail has left his loyalists stunned. The recent departure of senior leader Taj Mohiuddin and tribal leader Haroon Khatana has added to the party’s woes. The announcement by Ghulam Mohammad Saroori, an Azad loyalist, to contest as an Independent, has further fragmented the party.As the DPAP teeters on the brink of collapse, its candidates face an uncertain future. The party’s inability to capitalize on Azad’s reputation and leadership has raised questions about its long-term survival. With the Assembly elections looming, the DPAP’s decimation may be imminent. [KNT]
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