Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah said his party was deceived at the final stage of the recent Rajya Sabha elections but expressed satisfaction that all NC votes were cast correctly. He thanked the Congress and other supporting parties while hinting at internal betrayal that cost NC a clean sweep.
Omar said that every NC voter ensured transparency by showing their polling slips to the party’s chief agent, leaving no room for invalid votes. He noted that while the party aimed for a 4–0 victory, some individuals switched sides at the last moment, helping the BJP secure one seat. He described these defectors as people who pretended to stand with NC but later sided with the opposition.
The Chief Minister acknowledged Congress support in the elections and reaffirmed that NC’s newly elected MPs would raise key issues in Parliament, including the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, special status, and constitutional safeguards.
On the sidelines of his political remarks, Omar inaugurated Kashmir’s first Chrysanthemum Garden, also known as Gul-e-Dawood, in Srinagar. The initiative aims to extend the region’s tourist season beyond the Tulip bloom months of March and April. Developed by the Floriculture Department within months, the new garden showcases locally grown flowers without external imports.
Omar commended the efforts of floriculture officials and gardeners, saying the project reflects Kashmir’s growing potential in floral tourism. He expressed hope that the Chrysanthemum Garden would become another major attraction for visitors and strengthen Kashmir’s position as a year-round destination for nature lovers.
