Senior National Conference (NC) leader and former minister Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo received a hero’s welcome in Kishtwar after winning his recent seat in the Rajya Sabha. Thousands of enthusiastic supporters gathered in the town today, holding a grand victory rally that paraded through the main market and adjacent areas.
The rally saw passionate supporters garlanding Kichloo while chanting slogans like “NC Zindabad” and “Kichloo Sahab Zindabad.” A massive turnout greeted him with energy and pride, showcasing the NC’s influence in the region. After traversing several neighborhoods, the rally concluded amidst ecstatic victory slogans and fervent celebrations.
The National Conference celebrated a significant achievement, winning three out of four Rajya Sabha seats from Jammu and Kashmir, while the BJP secured one. This performance stands as a testament to the successful policies of the Omar Abdullah-led party, which many view as a rejection of the decisions made on August 5, 2019. This date marks the abrogation of Article 370 and the division of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories.
“Today’s victory is a clear affirmation of our Government’s policies,” Kichloo asserted in his address. He emphasized that the BJP tends to engage in questionable practices, alleging, “They did not have the numbers yet used all resources to influence votes.” His remarks reflected a sentiment shared among many in the NC that the BJP’s methods often involve manipulation.
Kichloo further elaborated on alleged disloyalty among some legislators. “We will identify those who backtracked after pledging their votes to us. The NC’s votes remained solid — there was no cross-voting. So, where did the BJP’s four extra votes come from?” he posed to the audience.
This strong rhetoric against the BJP showcases the palpable tension in Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape. Kichloo accused the BJP of leveraging money and coercive tactics to sway outcomes, stating, “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.” His comments underline a growing mistrust and a sense of betrayal felt among his party’s supporters.
The atmosphere in Kishtwar reflected not only jubilation for the NC’s victory but also an expectation of accountability and transparency in the political processes of the region. The event reinforced the party’s optimism about reclaiming influence in Jammu and Kashmir amid ongoing political challenges.
