No basis at all, says Azad after buzz of rejoining Congress

NEW DELHI: A report claiming that Ghulam Nabi Azad is likely to rejoin Congress four months after his high profile resignation created a buzz in political circles on Friday, animating leaders in the party and forcing a strong denial from Azad himself.
While speculations about a reconciliation between Azad and Congress have been rife since Mallikarjun Kharge was elected the AICC president, a media report to this effect on Friday triggered a sensation, especially as it named two senior Congress members known for their proximity to Azad as being in talks with him.
However, Azad emphatically denied any plans to return to Congress. "I have never spoken to any Congress member, nor has anyone called me," he said, adding, "I'm shocked to see the story filed by agency correspondent about my rejoining Congress. Unfortunately, such stories are being planted by a section of members in Congress every now and then, just to demoralise my leaders and supporters. I don't have any ill will against Congress and its leadership. I request them to tell these habitual story planters to refrain from doing so. This story has no basis at all".
Given that Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra is likely to reach Srinagar next month, and all the protagonists of J&K politics - National Conference, PDP, CPM - have enthusiastically confirmed their participation, the report about homecoming created a sensation.