Srinagar, Oct 14 (KNO): Peoples Conference (PC) Chairman Sajad Gani Lone on Tuesday announced that he will not vote for National Conference (NC) candidates in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. Lone accused the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir of aligning with the BJP and betraying Congress.
As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), correspondent, Lone said he recently saw a video clip in which the Chief Minister suggested that anyone not supporting the NC in the Rajya Sabha polls is effectively siding with the BJP. He criticized this stance, arguing that such rhetoric paints even Congress and others as BJP supporters, which he called “astonishing.”
Recalling past political events, Lone accused the NC, particularly Omar Abdullah, of misleading the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the 2024 elections. "We lost the elections, and our expectations were shattered. How many times must we be blamed for the same thing?" he said, questioning the NC’s repeated accusations against others.
Lone challenged the Chief Minister to prove that the denial of a Rajya Sabha seat to Congress was not done on BJP’s instructions. He claimed that the CM had traveled to Delhi under controversial circumstances in the past, notably before the abrogation of Article 370, and accused the NC of backstabbing Congress.
Highlighting Congress’s consistent opposition to BJP, Lone said, “There is only one party that is truly anti-BJP and that is Congress. The NC has collaborated with BJP before, but Congress has never done so.” He added that on the issue of restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, only Congress could play a pivotal role since BJP was unwilling.
Lone also criticized Omar Abdullah for damaging his party’s credibility by allegedly burning bridges with Congress after receiving their support in the 2024 elections. “You must now prove you’re not with BJP,” Lone argued, adding that the recent actions of the NC only benefit the BJP.
Addressing his own position, Lone said he would never vote for the National Conference, either ideologically or practically. He also pointed out the hardships faced by ordinary Kashmiris under the current administration, citing the example of a worker whose ailing mother was denied a transfer.
Lone questioned the Chief Minister’s leadership and motives, referencing Omar Abdullah’s interactions with BJP leaders, time spent with BJP officials, and a history of aligning with them on key decisions. He challenged the NC to clarify its position and asked, “What could be better news for BJP than you denying Congress the seat?”—(KNO)