Big jolt to Congress: 64 leaders resign as Ghulam Nabi Azad set to launch party

Jammu and Kashmir, August 30: In a massive jolt to Congress, as many as 64 senior party leaders, including former Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand, resigned in support of veteran leader Ghulam Nabi Azad. According to sources, Congress leaders tendered their resignations to Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi. On Saturday, many Jammu and Kashmir political leaders met with senior leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, who is planning to launch a new national party a day after resigning from all positions in the Congress. "MLAs from Jammu and Kashmir are here. A few more, some senior leaders and ex-ministers will come in the evening. Azad Sa'ab said a national party will be formed, we'll begin from J&K and the upcoming poll will be fought strongly. Don't want to reply to comments, we'll reply with a victory," former Congress leader Salman Nizami stated. Also Read | Rupee recovers substantially from record low as RBI steps in The meeting came shortly after Azad resigned from all positions in Congress. Azad's decision to form a political party is also significant, as the Valley is expected to hold elections later this year. "Under the leadership of Azad Ji we will launch a national party and the work will begin from Jammu and Kashmir. Azad Ji will go to J&K and will form an alliance with like-minded parties and leaders. All the criticism coming Azad Ji's way will be answered by winning elections," ex- Congress leader Salman Nizami had earlier said. The decision to form a new national party came just hours after veteran Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad resigned from all posts in the Congress party, including primary membership, in a letter to Congress President Sonia Gandhi. Also Read | 'Had high hopes for you': Anna Hazare slams Kejriwal over liquor policy -PTC News with ANI inputs