In a sudden turn of events, Chairman of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) Ghulam Nabi Azad Wednesday backed out of the Lok Sabha race from the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seat. DPAP Treasurer Taj Mohiuddin addressing a press conference in Srinagar announced on April 2, 2024, that the core committee of the party has decided to field Ghulam Nabi Azad from the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seat.

In his place, the party has decided to field Advocate Mohd Saleem Parray, a member of the District Development Council in Anantnag, to give a tough fight to the National Conference candidate Mian Altaf Ahmad and PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti. Bharatiya Janta Party is yet to announce its candidate for the seat as well. Briefing media persons in Srinagar DPAP provincial president Kashmir, Mohammad Amin Bhat said Ghulam Nabi Azad will not contest the Anantnag Rajouri Lok Sabha seat. The party has decided to field Advocate Mohd Saleem Parray. DPAP leader also clarified Azad has decided to withdraw his candidature from the seat for some valid reasons. "He informed the party leadership about the same during a meeting of the core committee" Bhat added.

On a day DPAP candidate from the Udhampur-Doda Lok Sabha seat GM Saroori filed his nomination papers in Kathua Azad had dropped clear hints that he may not file his nomination papers.

Ghulam Nabi Azad and Omar Abdullah were trading charges against each other during the campaign meetings in the Chenab Valley region

Azad even labelled Omar a  “tourist to Jammu and Kashmir.” Hitting back Omar accused Azad of dividing the secular vote to help a BJP candidate in a close fight on the Udhampur-Doda Lok Sabha seat.