Azad dismisses reports of political realignment

Srinagar, Nov 5: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Thursday dismissed reports of a possible political realignment with other leaders, including MLA Ruhullah Mehdi and Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid, terming speculation about forming a new political party or contesting the forthcoming parliamentary elections as baseless.
In a statement, Azad expressed concern over the circulation of unverified information on social media and news channels, saying fabricated claims were being presented as facts and subsequently put to political leaders for reactions.
“For the past two days, I have received dozens of recordings from people asking what is happening in Kashmir and whether I am forming a party with Ruhullah Sahib or someone else. All this is completely wrong,” he said.
Azad clarified that he had neither initiated discussions with any political leader nor received any communication regarding a possible alliance or the formation of a new political outfit.
“I have not spoken to anyone. I am not in touch with anyone regarding any such arrangement. Nobody has approached me, and I have approached nobody,” he said.
Dismissing reports suggesting that he had already reached Kashmir for political consultations, Azad said he was currently in New Delhi and had not even planned a visit to Jammu and Kashmir.
“I am sitting in Delhi and some channels are saying I have reached Kashmir. I have not even made a programme to visit Kashmir or Jammu. Yet they have already sent me there through their channels,” he remarked.
He also rejected reports suggesting that he was considering contesting the forthcoming parliamentary elections, describing them as entirely false and without any factual basis.
Clarifying his willingness to engage with political leaders, Azad said his ability to speak with anyone should not be interpreted as an indication of political negotiations or alliance-building.
“I can talk to anyone. I am not an enemy of anybody. But that does not mean the stories being circulated are true,” he said.
Azad urged media organisations to exercise responsibility and verify information before publishing speculative reports, cautioning against creating unnecessary political narratives based on rumours rather than facts. (KNO)