Kishtwar/Jammu, Aug 27: Ghulam Mohammad Saroori, vice president of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), has made a significant move in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections by filing his nomination papers as an independent candidate from the Inderwal constituency in Kishtwar district. Saroori’s decision comes after he was denied a ticket by his party, a development that has stirred political conversations in the region.
Saroori, a prominent figure in Jammu and Kashmir politics, has represented the Inderwal seat for four terms in the past. His filing as an independent candidate underscores the strong public demand for his continued representation. Despite being left off the DPAP’s first list of 13 candidates released on Sunday, Saroori expressed that he could not disregard the calls from his supporters who urged him to contest the upcoming elections.
Addressing the media in Kishtwar, Saroori clarified that his decision to run as an independent was driven by the electorate’s wishes rather than any discord with DPAP or its leader, Ghulam Nabi Azad. Saroori emphasized his respect and loyalty towards Azad, stating, “I have no differences with Azad. He remains my leader. The decision to run independently comes from the overwhelming demand of the people of Inderwal, who have supported me consistently.”
Saroori’s political career includes previous terms as a member of the Legislative Assembly and as Minister of State for various portfolios including tourism, forests, and education. His tenure from 2002 to 2018 was marked by significant contributions to the region’s development. In the 2024 parliamentary elections, Saroori had a setback, losing his deposit in the Kathua-Udhampur seat to Union Minister Jitendra Singh.
Though Saroori has transitioned from his long association with the Congress to align with Azad in August 2022, his recent move indicates a deep commitment to serving his constituency. He articulated his future agenda focusing on vital issues such as employment for the youth, tackling drug addiction, and ensuring peace in the region.
The contest for the Inderwal seat is now set to be a multi-cornered battle, with Tariq Hussain Keen of BJP, Sheikh Nasir of PDP, Sheikh Zafarullah from the Congress-NC alliance, and independent candidate Paray Lal Sharma also entering the fray. Saroori’s independent candidacy adds a new dynamic to the electoral landscape, reflecting the complexities and evolving nature of Jammu and Kashmir’s political arena.