Senior National Conference (NC) leader and former minister Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo received a hero’s welcome in Kishtwar today after winning his seat in the Rajya Sabha. Thousands of enthusiastic supporters gathered in the town, celebrating his victory with a grand rally through the main market and surrounding localities.
Kichloo, overwhelmed by the warm reception, was garlanded by jubilant party workers and functionaries amid loud chants of “NC Zindabad” and “Kichloo Sahab Zindabad.” The rally showcased the party’s strength, concluding with cheers and festivities.
The National Conference secured three out of the four Rajya Sabha seats from Jammu and Kashmir, while the BJP claimed one. The NC attributes its success to the policies promoted under the leadership of Omar Abdullah, emphasizing that their performance signifies the rejection of the controversial decisions made on August 5, 2019, which saw the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state.
“Today’s victory is a testament to the strength of our government’s policies,” Kichloo remarked during the rally. He accused the BJP of engaging in horse-trading and undue influence. “They did not have the requisite numbers, yet they employed various resources to manipulate votes,” he alleged.
Kichloo expressed concern over some legislators who he claims reneged on their promises to support the NC, ultimately siding with the BJP. “We will identify those who backtracked after pledging their votes. The NC’s votes remained intact – there was no cross-voting. So where did the BJP’s additional four votes originate?” he questioned, raising suspicions on the integrity of the voting process.
Accusing the BJP of leveraging money and intimidation, Kichloo asserted, “Let those who invalidated their votes or assisted the BJP summon the courage to admit it. The people will soon uncover who compromised their integrity.” His remarks resonated with supporters, reflecting a growing sentiment against perceived electoral malpractice.
