Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Nov 11: In a major setback to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sarwar Mufti, cousin of former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday joined Ghulam Nabi Azad led Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) in Bijbehara area of Anantnag.
Sarwar, joined the party at a function presided over by DPAP President Ghulam Nabi Azad in Bijbehara town.
Before attending the party function, Azad along with other leaders went to Padshahi Bagh to offer Fateh-e-Khawani at the grave of former chief minister Late Mufti Muhammad Sayeed, however, the grave was locked.
Later, Azad along with other leaders offered Fateh-e-Khawani from outside his grave.
Meanwhile, Sarwar during his speech raised the issue of daily wagers.
He requested Azad to take up the issue with the concerned authorities so that daily wagers won’t face any problem besides that tourists must be allowed to visit through Bijbehara-Langanbal road so that people who started their outlets along the road can earn their livelihood.
During his speech, Azad lashed out at those who closed door of Mufti Muhammad Sayeed’s grave.
He said that when leaders of other parties are visiting there, they are being accompanied to the grave but the door was closed for them.
He welcomed Sarwar into the party fold and said that he has spent much time with Mufti Muhammad Sayeed while praying for his eternal peace.
As per a statement, Azad warned people against falling in trap by some political parties or candidates and wasting their ballot.
He said this is the crucial time for the people of Jammu and Kashmir who have to choose their leader carefully without falling into the sentiments or trap since the situation post 2019 has changed substantially.
“There have been lots people in the political field with some invisible support and aiming to contest elections but this vote belongs to the one who is sincere for the people and their rights,” said Azad while addressing a gathering in Bijbehara, Anantnag.
Meanwhile, Azad said that it is the fight for existence and survival and any misadventure would create disaster in the elections if people are not voting properly and choosing their leader cautiously.
Azad, however, reiterated a demand for elections and said that administrative set up is nowhere replica to elected democracy. “Officers might do a good work but that doesn’t mean it is in any case substitute to democracy where people directly elected their representatives. So it is the time to hold elections and allow people to choose their representatives,” he said.
The DPAP chairman said that earlier the votes were sought on issues of smaller significance but these upcoming elections would hold a greater significance since the lands and jobs of the people of Jammu and Kashmir are at stake. “I have assured my people to safeguard your land, resources and jobs. So I need your support and vote to form the government of my own in an order to do so,” he said.
