Azad Won't Rejoin Congress: J&K Congress Chief Declares Rumors Baseless

Jammu and Kashmir Congress Chief, Tariq Hameed Karra, confirmed denial from Ghulam Nabi Azad about joining Congress, dismissing merger rumors. A circular from DPAP debunked claims of any discussions with Congress, advising party members and media to ignore false news.

In response to speculation regarding Ghulam Nabi Azad's potential return to the Congress, Jammu and Kashmir Congress Chief Tariq Hameed Karra clarified on Sunday that Azad has denied the rumors, describing the matter as resolved. "A denial from Azad Sahab's party has been issued. Consequently, there's nothing further to discuss, whether about alliances or mergers. It is a closed chapter now," Karra remarked.

Earlier today, the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) circulated a statement addressing the swirling rumors of its merger with Congress. The circular said, "Ever since Azad left Congress, neither has he approached any Congress leader, nor have any Congress leaders contacted him directly or by phone. These rumors are therefore baseless and meant to create confusion and disrupt our party. Azad has urged all party members and workers to ignore these traps, and he has also requested media outlets not to give credence to these rumors."

Notably, former Jammu and Kashmir minister Taj Mohiuddin resigned from Azad's party on Saturday, announcing his intention to rejoin Congress. Mohiuddin described his return as a "homecoming," stating he would rejoin Congress with Azad's consent and hopes Azad will also return to the party.

Mohiuddin further expressed his desire to contest in the upcoming elections. He said he is willing to run if Congress grants him a ticket. The Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are scheduled to be held in three phases from September 18 to October 1.

The counting of votes for these elections in both Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir is set for October 4. Jammu and Kashmir has a total of 87.09 lakh electors, including 44.46 lakh men, 42.62 lakh women, 169 transgender individuals, 82,590 persons with disabilities (PwDs), 73,943 very senior citizens, 2,660 centenarians, 76,092 service electors, and 3.71 lakh first-time voters.

In December of last year, the Supreme Court directed the Centre to complete the election process by September 30, 2024. Jammu and Kashmir will hold elections after a decade-long hiatus, with the last assembly elections taking place in 2014. The PDP-BJP coalition government collapsed in June 2018 following the BJP's withdrawal of support for then-Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. (ANI)