Ghulam Nabi Azad's close confidant GM Saroori, who met Mr Azad in New Delhi, said the veteran politician would "announce the launch of the party within the next fortnight."
Digital Desk: Former Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad is preparing to launch his party, with the first unit set to open in Jammu and Kashmir within a fortnight, according to his close confidant GM Saroori.
Mr Saroori stated that the party's manifesto will include the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's pre-August 5, 2019 position.
Mr Saroori, a former minister who was among several prominent Congress leaders in Jammu and Kashmir who resigned from the party's basic membership in support of Mr Azad, said their leader was ideologically secular and there was no question of him working at the BJP's request.
He also claimed that hundreds of senior Congress leaders, Panchayati Raj Institution members and prominent workers resigned after the former chief minister ended his more than five-decade association with the national party.
Mr Azad announced the formation of a new party and the establishment of its first unit in Jammu and Kashmir just hours after resigning on Friday.
"I am not in a hurry to launch a national party right now, but given that elections are likely to be held in Jammu and Kashmir, I have decided to establish a unit there soon," Azad, who is from the Doda district's Bhaderwah township, said.
Mr Saroori, who met with Mr Azad in New Delhi on Friday to express his support, stated that the veteran politician would "announce the launch of the party within the next couple weeks."
"We are delighted that he is returning to Jammu and Kashmir, where he previously served as Chief Minister (from November 2, 2005, to July 11, 2008). People regard his rule as a golden era and want him to return to save Jammu and Kashmir from the current situation "He went on to say that his supporters are spread throughout Jammu and Kashmir.
Mr Saroori stated that the new party would prioritize development and unity among all segments of society, as well as the restoration of the pre-August 5, 2019 position.
On August 5, 2019, the Centre revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status under Article 370 of the Constitution, dividing the former state into two Union territories.
With Mr Azad's departure, Mr Saroori believes the Congress is almost finished in Jammu and Kashmir.
"Leaders from Jammu and Kashmir are making a beeline for Ghulam Nabi Azad to express their support. We have received hundreds of resignation letters from PRI members, including members of district and block development councils and municipal corporators "He stated.
Over a dozen leaders, including former ministers and legislators, have resigned from the Congress's basic membership in support of Mr Azad, and many more, including former deputy chief minister Tara Chand, are expected to resign after meeting with Mr Azad in New Delhi today.
Referring to the Congress's statement accusing Azad of "collaboration" with the BJP following his resignation, Mr Saroori said those who criticised him were either closing their eyes to ground realities or finding the earth beneath their feet slipping away.
"He is a secular leader who has worked for the past five decades to strengthen Congress. We've all given our blood and sweat, but how can you stay in a party that insults and humiliates you? "he inquired, blaming the leadership of Congress for forcing them to make such a decision.
Leave A Comment