Ghulam Nabi Azad Takes Aim at NC, PDP: ‘Those Accusing Us of Being B Team Were Part of BJP Governments’

ANANTNAG, Mar 5: Ghulam Nabi Azad, Chairman of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), rebutted accusations of being aligned with the BJP by pointing out that those making such claims had themselves formed alliances with the saffron party in the past. Azad’s response comes amidst allegations from regional parties in Jammu and Kashmir labeling his party as the ‘B’ team of the BJP. “Those leveling such accusations consider themselves the ‘A’ team. They have held government positions and even served as Chief Ministers. In contrast, I have never been a minister, MP, or MLA from their party,” he stated. “So, what authority do they have to brand us as a ‘B’ team when they themselves were part of BJP-led governments?” Azad questioned reporters during his interaction here. In an indirect reference to the National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Azad urged such parties to introspect before casting aspersions on others. “They should also review the records of Parliament to see who has spoken against the BJP there,” he added. Responding to queries about the effectiveness of the Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), the former J-K Chief Minister stated that they are fulfilling their responsibilities while he focuses on his. “Whether it succeeds or fails is for the people to judge,” he emphasized. Regarding his comments on China during a recent public gathering, Azad reiterated the threats faced by India from both China and Pakistan along its borders. “Yes, there are threats to the entire nation. This is not a new revelation,” he affirmed. However, when questioned about Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s silence on China but emphasis on reclaiming Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Azad highlighted the inherent dangers posed by both neighbors. “Whether he explicitly mentions it or not, the threat remains. It’s not obligatory to vocalize everything when it’s already known,” he noted. Azad further criticized the central government’s decision to revoke Article 370, labeling it as a ‘mistake’. “I advocated for Article 370 in Parliament. However, these parties remained silent on the matter. They only exploit it for political gains,” he concluded.