Two Former J&K Ministers Return to Congress — A Major Blow to Azad’s DPAP

Ex-Jammu & Kashmir Ministers Rejoin Congress, Deal Blow to Azad’s DPAP

By: Javid Amin | 19 November 2025

In what political observers are calling a significant setback for Ghulam Nabi Azad’s Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), two former Jammu & Kashmir ministers—Jugal Kishore Sharma and Abdul Majid Wani—have rejoined the Indian National Congress. Their return, on November 19, 2025, along with hundreds of their supporters and other senior leaders, marks a symbolic and practical revival for Congress in the region.

At a public event in Jammu commemorating the 108th birth anniversary of Indira Gandhi, Sharma, Wani, and other defectors were welcomed back by Congress heavyweights including Syed Naseer Hussain (AICC general secretary), Tariq Hameed Karra (JKPCC president), and G.A. Mir (AICC general secretary). Their homecoming underscores internal strains within DPAP and raises broader strategic questions about Congress’s efforts to rebuild its base in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K).

What Actually Happened

01. The Reunion Event in Jammu

The formal rejoining ceremony was held in Jammu, timed with the celebration of Indira Gandhi’s birth anniversary — a symbolic moment that underlines the Congress’s attempt to reinforce its roots and legacy in J&K.
Key Congress leaders present: Syed Naseer Hussain (AICC in-charge for J&K), Tariq Hameed Karra (state Congress chief), and G.A. Mir.
Among those returning: Jugal Kishore Sharma and Abdul Majid Wani (both former ministers), and ex-MLCs Subash Gupta and Brij Mohan Sharma.
Hundreds of supporters accompanied them, suggesting that this was not just an elite political maneuver but reflected grassroots re-alignment.

02. The Political Backdrop

Sharma and Wani had left Congress in 2022 to join Azad’s DPAP.
Both had unsuccessfully contested the 2024 Assembly elections: Sharma from Vaishno Devi, Wani from Doda.
Their return is part of a larger trend: several leaders who had joined DPAP with Azad have been coming back to Congress over the past year.
According to Congress insiders, their earlier re-entry efforts were hindered by internal party dynamics.

What Motivated the Return: Leaders’ Narratives

01. Secularism and Freedom of Expression

Sharma, speaking at the event, said: “Congress is the only party which believes in secularism and gives its leaders freedom to speak their mind.”
He strongly criticized what he described as religion-based politics, arguing that religion is a personal matter and should not be used for electoral gain.
For these leaders, the return to Congress symbolizes a reaffirmation of political values: freedom of conscience, secular commitment, and open expression.

02. Discontent with DPAP’s Performance

According to reports, the return of these leaders is spurred in part by DPAP’s poor showing in recent polls.
Some Congress insiders argue that DPAP failed to deliver on its promise, and its organizational structure weakened after its lackluster performance in both Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.
There is also criticism that Azad did not campaign vigorously for his party’s own candidates in 2024, citing ill-health, which may have fueled disillusionment.

03. “Homecoming”: Rebuilding Old Ties

Several of the leaders who returned say they feel a sense of “homecoming”: going back to the party that they once left, but which they consider their political home.
The words of Congress’s J&K in-charge emphasize that the party considers this a morale booster and part of a broader strategy to re-strengthen its base in the Union Territory.

DPAP’s Reaction and the Fallout

01. “Deadwood” Claim from DPAP

DPAP’s leadership has reportedly dismissed the returnees as “deadwood.”
Salman Nizami, a senior DPAP leader, allegedly criticized them for being politically stranded, saying they had contested independently and failed, but continue to use Azad’s name.
Such rhetoric suggests DPAP is trying to minimize the impact of the defection, portraying it as a recycling of old political faces rather than a real crisis.

02. Strategic and Symbolic Loss for Azad

Losing two former ministers (Sharma and Wani) is a serious blow for DPAP’s credibility, especially as Azad’s own party was built around these senior leaders.
The defections highlight internal discontent and raise critical questions about DPAP’s stability, cohesion, and future relevance. Political analysts see this as a signal of waning influence for Azad in his own base.
Since many of these returns have happened before possible future Assembly elections, this may also weaken DPAP’s candidate pool and voter appeal.

Implications for Congress

01. A Symbolic Revival in J&K

For Congress, the return of high-profile leaders is a strong signal: the party is rebuilding ground presence in J&K by reclaiming experienced politicians who understand local politics.
The public ceremony and the involvement of top Congress leadership convey that this is not a small reconciliation but part of a concerted effort to rebuild.
By emphasizing secularism and internal democracy, Congress may aim to rebrand itself in J&K as a platform for principled politics rather than identity-based mobilization.

02. Strengthening Electoral Machinery

The returning leaders bring with them not just their names but also networks, supporters, and local influence, particularly in constituencies like Vaishno Devi and Doda.
Their return could improve Congress’s electoral prospects in Jammu, especially in regions where it has struggled.
In the context of a likely future election, having veteran politicians rejoin strengthens Congress’s hand in candidate selection, ground campaigning, and public outreach.

03. Organizational Rebalancing

This move might also signal an internal reshuffle within J&K Congress: returning leaders could be given greater roles, or influence party strategy more strongly.
It may also help resolve factionalism within the party by re-integrating leaders who once left, thereby consolidating the Congress’s organizational capacity.

Broader Political Significance & Risks

01. What It Says About Political Volatility in J&K

The re-defection underlines the fragility of newer political parties in J&K like the DPAP, which, despite ambition and a high-profile founder, may struggle to sustain loyalty.
It also reflects long-term dynamics in J&K politics: established parties like Congress still retain pull, especially for seasoned politicians.
This is a reminder that in J&K, politics is deeply personal and network-based, and that building a new formation requires more than brand value.

02. Risk for Congress: Recycling or Rejuvenation?

While reclaiming former leaders strengthens Congress in the short term, there’s a risk it could be perceived as recycling old faces rather than bringing fresh leadership.
Local voters may question whether these returns will translate into meaningful change or simply reintroduce the same political status quo.
For Congress to sustain the momentum, it will need to balance the return of veterans with empowering younger, grassroots leaders and articulating a future-oriented vision.

03. DPAP’s Strategic Challenge

The defections force DPAP to rethink its strategy. If senior leaders are leaving, the party must redesign its appeal, recruit new talent, and reaffirm its relevance.
Azad’s leadership will likely come under scrutiny: his capacity to retain loyalty, provide a compelling political platform, and galvanize grassroots support will be tested.
DPAP needs to decide whether to double down on its identity as a “progressive regional alternative” or risk further fragmentation.

Expert Analysis & Strategic Scenarios

01. Possible Strategic Moves for Congress

High-profile Campaigns: Use returning leaders to boost Congress’s visibility in key regions (like Doda, Vaishno Devi).
Grassroots Rebuilding: Launch booth-level revitalization, leveraging the networks of Sharma, Wani, Gupta, and others.
Policy Messaging: Emphasize secularism, internal democracy, and inclusive politics to differentiate from both DPAP and other regional parties.
Candidate Grooming: Combine veteran returns with scouting for young leaders to present a balanced slate in future elections.

02. DPAP’s Path Forward

Re-evaluate Leadership Structure: Azad needs to address why key leaders are leaving — is it strategy, health, internal democracy, or ideological drift?
Rebuild Trust: Engage with grassroots workers, win back disillusioned cadres, and show that the party is not just about its marquee founder.
Refine Narrative: Rearticulate the party’s raison d’être — beyond regional presence, what is DPAP’s distinct political vision?
Alliance Strategy: Explore alliances or partnerships to stay politically relevant if solo prospects dim.

03. Impact on the Jammu & Kashmir Political Landscape

If Congress continues to absorb returning leaders, it may re-emerge as a more serious contender in J&K, especially in Jammu region politics.
The DPAP, if weakened further, may fade or be forced into coalition politics or rebranding.
Voters may begin to align not just on identity or geography, but on ideological performance — secularism, governance, party stability.

Bottom-Line

The re-entry of Jugal Kishore Sharma, Abdul Majid Wani, and senior leaders like Subash Gupta and Brij Mohan Sharma into the Congress is more than a routine political switch: it’s a strategic realignment. For Congress, it’s a much-needed signal of revival in J&K. For DPAP, it raises uncomfortable questions about loyalty, organization, and staying power.

In the volatile political theatre of Jammu & Kashmir, where personal influence and party legacy matter deeply, this development could reshape the balance of power — especially if elections loom on the horizon. Whether this marks a new beginning for Congress, or a moment of reckoning for DPAP, only time will tell. But for now, the “homecoming” narrative is firmly in Congress’s favor.