Senior National Conference (NC) leader and former minister, Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo, recently celebrated a significant victory by winning a Rajya Sabha seat. Upon his arrival in Kishtwar today, he received a hero’s welcome from thousands of enthusiastic supporters.
Supporters took to the streets of Kishtwar, leading a grand victory rally that traversed the main market and nearby localities. Kichloo enjoyed a warm reception as jubilant workers and party functionaries garlanded him amid loud chants of “NC Zindabad” and “Kichloo Sahab Zindabad.”
The rally, filled with excitement and celebration, concluded with strong victory slogans. This event reflects the robust support for the National Conference, which secured three of the four Rajya Sabha seats from Jammu and Kashmir, while the BJP claimed one. The NC interpreted its performance as a clear endorsement of the party’s policies, countering the decisions made on August 5, 2019, when Article 370 was abrogated, leading to the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories.
Addressing the gathering, Kichloo remarked, “Today’s victory is a victory of our Government’s policies. The BJP believes in horse-trading. They did not have the numbers, yet used all resources to influence votes.” His comments underscore the prevailing political tensions in the region, suggesting that the BJP may have resorted to unethical practices to secure additional votes.
He further alleged that several legislators reneged on their commitments, asserting that they supported the BJP instead of the NC, stating, “We will identify those who backtracked after pledging their votes to us.” Kichloo emphasized the integrity of his own party’s votes, claiming, “The NC’s votes remained intact — there was no cross-voting. So where did the BJP’s four extra votes come from?”
Kichloo vehemently accused the BJP of engaging in money and pressure tactics during the voting proceedings. He insisted that anyone who compromised their integrity to benefit the BJP should be bold enough to admit it. “Let those who invalidated their votes or helped the BJP have the courage to admit it. The people will soon know who sold their conscience,” he concluded, hinting at an impending revelation of political dealings that may shake the current political landscape.
The victory celebration and Kichloo’s remarks highlight the competitive political environment in Jammu and Kashmir as the region’s political parties navigate complex challenges and opportunities. As the National Conference rallies its supporters and critiques its opponents, the outcome of this election could significantly influence future political dynamics in the area.
