Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that internal betrayal cost the National Conference (NC) a clean sweep in the recent Rajya Sabha elections. The NC secured three of the four seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) managed to win one. This was the first Rajya Sabha election in Jammu and Kashmir since its reorganization as a Union Territory in 2019.
Abdullah expressed disappointment over what he described as last-minute desertion by a few legislators during Friday’s polling. He said the party aimed for a 4–0 victory but some members switched sides or invalidated their votes, indirectly helping the BJP. However, he noted that all NC votes remained intact and went to party candidates, reflecting strong internal discipline.
The chief minister pointed out that BJP’s win was made possible by support from non-BJP MLAs who had previously been part of NC meetings. He criticized these legislators for not being transparent about their political stance and urged them to publicly admit their role. Abdullah acknowledged the support of the Congress and other allied members who backed NC candidates.
He said the newly elected NC MPs will raise critical issues concerning the people of Jammu and Kashmir, including the restoration of statehood, constitutional safeguards, and special status. The party plans to continue pressing for these demands at the national level.
On a separate note, Abdullah inaugurated a chrysanthemum garden in Srinagar, aimed at boosting tourism in the Valley by extending the flower season beyond the tulip bloom. He said the garden would add to the region’s appeal and contribute to the local economy, aligning with the government’s broader efforts to strengthen tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.
