Ghulam Nabi Azad rules out Vice-President bid, renews call for J&K statehood

Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) leader Ghulam Nabi Azad has dismissed speculation about his potential candidacy for the Vice-President of India, stressing that restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir is his top priority.

Speaking to the media in Reasi on Wednesday, after visiting party worker Rehana Anjum to offer condolences on her father's passing.

“I have stated this before, and I will say it again: I am not a candidate for the Vice-President’s role,” he said. “My focus is on fighting for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially for the return of statehood and the protection of their rights.”

Azad, who has previously served as Chief Minister and Union Minister, highlighted that political roles come and go, but the loss of trust and communal harmony in society is a far more serious issue.

“Rehana has worked with us for many years. I came here to share in her grief,” he said. “In such difficult times, there is no religion or politics; we are all human beings.”

He expressed concern about the growing religious divide in Jammu and Kashmir

He said the brotherhood we once had is slowly fading. “In the past, people did not worry about religion or political parties,” he said. “Now, that sense of unity is weakening, and it is very unfortunate.”

Azad insisted that development, like statehood, should not depend on a person’s religion or political views. “Whether someone supports the BJP, Congress, PDP, or National Conference, everyone in Jammu and Kashmir deserves justice, respect, and a voice,” he stressed.

Recalling his time as Minister of State for Home Affairs, he mentioned that three Union territories were granted statehood based on his recommendations. Azad said he consistently raised the issue of restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir in Parliament.

“Even after Article 370 was removed, I stated that either the Prime Minister would need to reconsider, or the Supreme Court would intervene. In the end, both happened. Now, we need full statehood and faster development,” he said.

He urged both the government and the media to act responsibly. “We must move beyond just political discussions. Let’s work together for jobs, education, and peace,” he said. “That is what we owe to our children.”