NC thanks Congress, PDP for support in RS polls
Questions mount over independents backing BJP
KINS Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 25 (KINS): The National Conference (NC) on Saturday expressed gratitude to the Congress and the PDP for extending support in the Rajya Sabha elections, even as questions intensified over the role of certain independent legislators alleged to have backed the BJP.
NC secured three of the four Rajya Sabha seats from Jammu and Kashmir, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won one seat in the elections held on Friday. Despite having only 28 MLAs, the BJP managed to secure 31 votes, triggering political speculation and charges of cross-voting.
Peoples Conference President Sajad Lone described the outcome as a “fixed match” between NC and BJP.
The Congress, PDP, and several Independents had initially announced support for NC candidates. With fingers now pointing at Independents for alleged cross-voting in favour of the BJP, NC President Dr Farooq Abdullah reiterated that all NC MLAs voted for their own candidates.
“We are also thankful to the PDP for the support,” Farooq Abdullah told reporters, as quoted by Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS).
He further said that NC had offered the Nagrota seat to the Congress to contest, but the party declined. Responding to Congress’ criticism that NC should have backed Harsh Dev Singh to improve his chances, Abdullah said,
“We supported him in the last elections. Did he win? No.”
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the party had aimed for a clean sweep in the Rajya Sabha polls, but “betrayal” from certain quarters cost NC the fourth seat.
“Nobody should be disappointed with the 3-1 verdict. We tried for a 4-0. The real disappointment is the betrayal by some people, and everyone knows their names,” Omar said. He thanked political allies, especially the Congress, for standing by the NC.
“I thank all, including Congress, who supported us. We feel bad for those who betrayed us at the last moment,” he added. (KINS)
