Jammu, Nov 18: In a major political development, senior leaders from the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) are set to return to the Congress fold. Former Ministers Jugal Kishore Sharma and Abdul Majid Wani, former MLC Subhash Gupta, and senior DPAP leader from Udhampur, Brij Mohan Sharma, will formally join the Congress Party tomorrow.
The joining ceremony will take place in Jammu in the presence of All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary and J&K in-charge Dr. Sayeed Naseer Hussain, AICC general secretary and CLP leader G.A. Mir, JKPCC chief Tariq Hameed Karra, newly appointed AICC secretary Pargat Singh, AICC Mahila Wing president Alka Lamba, and Indian Youth Congress chief Uday Bhanu Chib. The event is expected to be a grand function marking their return to the party.
Party insiders described the move as a “homecoming” for these leaders, who had resigned from Congress following the exit of veteran leader Ghulam Nabi Azad and subsequently joined the newly formed DPAP. Several other Azad loyalists, including former Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand, former JKPCC chief Peerzada Mohammad Syeed, and ex-Ministers Ghulam Mohammad Saroori and Taj Mohiuddin, had also left Congress earlier but rejoined the party in recent months.
The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) has scheduled the induction alongside a function commemorating the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi at JK Resort, near Marble Market, Jammu, at 12 noon tomorrow. Senior party leaders and heads of frontal organizations are expected to attend.
Sources revealed that the entry of these leaders had previously been delayed due to internal differences within the party. However, the high command has now cleared their induction, acknowledging that their presence could have strengthened Congress in the last Assembly elections. Party strategists believe that their return will bolster Congress prospects in key districts of Jammu region.
Jugal Kishore Sharma, a two-time Minister from Reasi, Abdul Majid Wani, also a two-time Minister from Doda, and Subhash Gupta, a former MLC from Kathua and long-time DDC president, are regarded as influential figures in their constituencies. With Brij Mohan Sharma joining from Udhampur, Congress leaders are confident that the party will gain renewed strength across the region.
