Former MLA Shoaib Lone resigns from DPAP

SRINAGAR — Former MLA Sangrama Shoaib Lone has resigned from the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) led by Ghulam Nabi Azad. Lone confirmed his resignation from the basic membership of DPAP to the local news agency KNS.

Shoaib Lone, who previously won the Assembly election from Sangrama, had announced his support for jailed politician Engineer Rashid who is contesting elections from Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency.

Shoaib Lone had earlier clarified that his support for Engineer Rashid is in his personal capacity and said it had no connection with the party.

In 2020, Lone joined Altaf Bukhari’s Apni Party, but later resigned and became a member of DPAP.

My leaders see Er Rashid as best choice: Azad

Democratic Progressive Azad Party President Ghulam Nabi Azad clarified his party’s stance on the North Kashmir Parliamentary Constituency, stating that his leaders see Engineer Rashid as the best choice and he didn’t stop them from supporting him.

Speaking to the local news agency KNS shortly after former MLA Sangrama Shoaib Lone resigned from the party, Azad explained that the party did not field a candidate in North Kashmir. Instead, the party members found Engineer Rashid to be a suitable candidate.

“They see Omar Abdullah as an outsider and consider Engineer Rashid a better choice. Therefore, I didn’t stop them from supporting him,” Azad added.