Srinagar, July 31, 2025 : Former Union Minister and Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chief Ghulam Nabi Azad on Thursday criticised the opposition’s strategy of disrupting parliamentary proceedings, stating it only makes the government’s job easier.
“I have always opposed disrupting Parliament. If you’re elected, it’s your duty to raise people’s issues on national and international platforms — not to stage walkouts,” Azad said, addressing reporters in Srinagar.
His remarks come amid opposition protests in the Rajya Sabha over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence during a debate on Operation Sindoor and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) issue.
“When the opposition walks out, the government gets an open road to pass bills without resistance,” Azad said. “You’re helping the government, not opposing it.”
Reflecting on his early days in Parliament, Azad recalled former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi advising him not to disrupt opposition speeches. “She told me: ‘You’ve come to speak, not create a ruckus. You don’t become a leader by silencing others,’” he said.
Commenting on the April 22 Pahalgam attack, Azad said the matter should be closed as Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had taken responsibility. “The LG accepted the failure. That’s the end of the matter.”
He also welcomed Operation Mahadev, in which three terrorists linked to the Pahalgam attack were neutralised, but emphasized the need to avoid human rights violations. “Even as Chief Minister, I gave full freedom to security forces — but operations must be clean, without fake encounters.”
On the state of his party, DPAP, Azad acknowledged internal challenges and hinted at reconsidering his political path. “Some leaders keep hopping parties just to remain ministers. But those who were DDCs and BDCs — their support has tripled. Still, I have to decide whether to carry on or step back. Politics in Kashmir is driven by emotion; mine is based on truth and non-violence,” he said.
Regarding Donald Trump’s claim of mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan post-Operation Sindoor, Azad backed PM Modi’s statement. “Trump says many things. But the PM told Parliament that the decision was India’s alone, with no foreign role. We have no reason to doubt our elected leader,” he stated.
