The book launch event of Azaad, the memoir of the former J&K Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, took place on Wednesday. There is the attendance of various politicians such as Congress’s leader Anand Sharma, NCP leader Supriya Sule, DMK’s Kanimozhi, and  AAP’s Sanjay Sigh. Prior to the launch, there were heated exchanges between Ghulam Nabi Azad and Congress leaders, similar to the ones that took place when Azad left the Congress. Interview leading up to the book release, Ghulam Nabi openly criticized Rahul Gandhi and Congress leadership, which drew strong reactions from the Congress leaders. 

The former Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad’s criticism of his party and praise for PM Modi’s leadership was met with a response from other Congress leaders who pointed out that despite his retirement from Parliament, he was still residing in his government bungalow in Delhi. Congress’s Supriya Shrinate remarked, “Azad was a respected figure, but it’s unclear why he chose to become subservient.”

Pawan Khera, a member of Congress, questioned whether Ghulam Nabi Azad had made any remarks regarding the Adani issue. Khera noted that Azad had previously claimed to have gained freedom upon leaving the party, but based on his recent comments, it appears that he remains subservient, according to Khera.

According to Congress MP KC Venugopal, there exists a definite agreement with the BJP, which involves a requirement to criticize Rahul Gandhi if one desires anything from the BJP. Venugopal stated, “If you wish to obtain something from the BJP, they insist on maligning Rahul Gandhi as their initial condition.”

Ghulam Nabi Azad stated that Rahul Gandhi is the primary cause of his departure from Congress, as well as the reason why many other individuals, both young and old, have left the party. Ghulam Nabi Azad also stated that being in the Congress requires one to become spineless and undergo surgery.

Ghulam Nabi Azad gave the example of leaders showing their support for Rahul Gandhi by being present in Surat when he filed his appeal against his conviction in the 2019 defamation case. Azad stated that he had no objections if someone wanted to go to Surat with Rahul Gandhi, but it is not appropriate to force other leaders to come along. Azad expressed his disapproval of a whip being issued, as it is not right to compel everyone to accompany Rahul Gandhi.

Ghulam Nabi Azad further added that he is significantly more committed to the Congress party compared to those who solely rely on Twitter for their political engagement. However, he feels that the party is not interested in individuals like himself and is instead seeking individuals who are proficient at using Twitter and can make bold claims such as the party winning 500 seats after the Bharat Jodo Yatra.