Jammu, Oct 11: The Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) has decided not to field candidates in the upcoming by-elections for the Budgam and Nagrota Assembly constituencies, party chairman and former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad announced on Friday. The decision, he said, followed extensive consultations and a detailed ground-level review that revealed limited organisational presence in the two constituencies.
“We have taken a conscious and realistic decision not to contest the bypolls in Budgam and Nagrota,” Azad said. “DPAP does not believe in symbolic participation or in contests that merely split votes. Where our support base is still in the process of consolidation, we prefer to channel our energies towards strengthening the organisation and pursuing the larger goal of restoring democratic dignity and development across Jammu and Kashmir.”
Azad emphasised that the party’s focus remains on expanding its footprint in a sustainable and meaningful way rather than contesting elections for optics. He said the DPAP’s approach is rooted in responsible politics and long-term public service rather than short-term political positioning. “Our aim is to engage with people, build credible leadership at the grassroots, and prepare for a full-fledged democratic exercise once Assembly elections are held under restored Statehood,” he added.
Reiterating his long-standing demand for the immediate restoration of full Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, Azad said that the region’s governance structure can only function effectively when an elected Chief Minister and the Lieutenant Governor work in close coordination. “Without that balance, public grievances tend to pile up and welfare schemes lose their impact. The citizens of Jammu and Kashmir deserve a responsive and accountable administration,” he remarked.
Turning to the recent flood situation in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, the DPAP chairman expressed deep concern over the suffering of affected families. He urged the Central Government to announce a comprehensive relief and rehabilitation package to help rebuild homes, livelihoods, and public infrastructure damaged by flash floods. “The rebuilding process must be treated as a humanitarian priority, beyond political or bureaucratic considerations,” Azad said, appealing for coordinated efforts between the Centre and the Union Territory administration to ensure that assistance reaches those in need swiftly and transparently.
Azad reiterated that the DPAP remains committed to constructive politics that serves the welfare of the people. “We will continue to raise our voice for the rights, development, and dignity of every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir,” he concluded, affirming that his party’s political choices will always reflect realism, responsibility, and the long-term interests of the people.