Azad Among Early Voters in J&K, Urges Citizens to Take Charge of Their Future Through the Ballot
JAMMU, Oct 1: Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chairman, Ghulam Nabi Azad, on Tuesday urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to actively participate in the third and final phase of the assembly elections. Azad, who was among the early voters, emphasized the importance of exercising the democratic right to vote, noting that this election is taking place after a decade-long gap in the union territory.
Azad, a former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, cast his vote at the Government Girls Higher Secondary School in Gandhi Nagar during the first hour of polling. He encouraged all eligible voters, regardless of gender, age, or background, to come out and vote, stressing the significance of this election for the region’s future. “It is up to the people to choose who they wish to vote for, whether it be a party or an individual candidate, but the most important thing is to vote,” he remarked.
Addressing the key issues affecting Jammu and Kashmir, Azad highlighted unemployment as the biggest challenge facing the region. He expressed concern that this pressing issue has not received the attention it deserves from either regional or national political parties during their campaigns. Azad argued that unemployment impacts all communities and religions and is directly tied to the future of the youth, yet it remains inadequately addressed.
When questioned about the West Pakistani refugees, Valmiki community, and Gorkha community—who are voting in the assembly elections for the first time following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019—Azad reflected on long-standing issues that have persisted since 1947. He stated that various political parties have historically used these issues for their own political gains. However, he emphasized that current challenges, including the restoration of statehood, Article 35A, and unemployment, require immediate and genuine attention.
On the prospect of DPAP or any other party emerging as the kingmaker post-elections, Azad reiterated his belief that in a true democracy, power lies with the people. “It is the voters who ultimately decide who will lead them. It’s not for the parties to declare themselves kingmakers; we must leave it to the will of the voters to determine the future leadership,” he stated.
Polling for the third phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections began at 7 a.m. across 40 assembly constituencies spread over seven districts: Jammu, Udhampur, Kathua, and Samba in the Jammu region, as well as Baramulla, Bandipora, and Kupwara in North Kashmir. The polls will conclude at 6 p.m., with voters determining the fate of several candidates competing in this pivotal election.
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