Democratic Progressive Azad Party

The Democratic Progressive Azad Party was established on September 26, 2022, following Ghulam Nabi Azad's resignation from the Indian National Congress. Azad, a prominent figure in Indian politics, decided to form a new political entity to address what he perceived as the shortcomings of the INC and to better represent the interests of the people, particularly in the Jammu and Kashmir region.[2][3]

The DPAP is rooted in a democratic and progressive ideology, focusing on the following key objectives:

• Inclusive Development: Promoting economic growth that benefits all sections of society, especially marginalized and underrepresented communities.
• Good Governance: Ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in government operations.
• Social Justice: Advocating for equal rights and opportunities for all citizens, regardless of caste, creed, or gender.
• Secularism and Unity: Upholding the principles of secularism and promoting unity among diverse communities in India.
• Regional Autonomy: Supporting greater autonomy for regions to manage their own affairs, with a special emphasis on the unique needs of Jammu and Kashmir.[6]

The DPAP is structured to encourage grassroots participation and democratic decision-making processes within the party. Key positions within the party include:

• President: The head of the party, responsible for overall leadership and strategic direction.
• General Secretary: Manages the day-to-day operations and organizational matters of the party.
• Regional Committees: Oversee party activities and implementation of policies at the state and regional levels. Zonal President Central Kashmir is Peer Bilal [8]

Since its inception, the Democratic Progressive Azad Party has actively participated in various political activities, including:

• Electoral Participation:[9] Contested Parliamentary elections to represent the interests of its constituents.[10]
• Advocacy and Outreach: Engaging with the public through rallies, public meetings, and social media to communicate its policies and vision.
• Policy Development: Formulating and promoting policies that align with its core objectives of inclusive development, good governance, and social justice.

The formation of the DPAP has been met with mixed reactions. Supporters view it as a much-needed alternative to the existing political entities, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, while critics question its ability to establish a significant foothold in the Indian political landscape.