Former J&K Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad formally launched a new political party, named Democratic Azad Party (DAP), from J&K on September 26, 2022, saying “it will not be autocratic but democratic”.
“The DAP will be based on the principles of democracy. It will not be influenced by any outside leader or other party. It will have independent thinking and will stay independent in its decisions. It will not be autocratic and power will not be in one hand,” Mr. Azad, while addressing a press conference in Jammu, said. He was quick to add that his surname has nothing to do with ‘Azad’ in the party name.
Mr. Azad quit the Congress on August 26 this year after over four decades of association, following the differences with the party high command. However, none of the leaders from the G-23, a rebel group within the Congress, was present at the party launch in Jammu. Earlier, Mr. Azad had suggested launching a national level party rather than a regional party.
