Senior National Conference (NC) leader and former minister Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo received a rousing welcome from thousands of supporters in Kishtwar today after his recent victory in the Rajya Sabha election. The massive turnout celebrated Kichloo’s achievement in securing a seat that adds to the NC’s distinguished presence in Jammu and Kashmir’s legislative arena.
As Kichloo arrived, enthusiastic crowds gathered in the town and celebrated with a grand victory rally that traversed the bustling main market and nearby localities. Supporters adorned Kichloo with garlands, cheering loud slogans of “NC Zindabad” and “Kichloo Sahab Zindabad” that echoed through the streets.
The celebratory rally saw fervent participation from party workers and functionaries who highlighted the significance of this electoral outcome. After weaving through several localities, the rally concluded with triumphal slogans that signified not just personal victory but also the perceived strength of the NC’s policies.
The National Conference secured three out of four Rajya Sabha seats in the recent elections, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) winning one. The NC hailed its performance as a referendum on the party’s vision and a clear rejection of the decisions taken on August 5, 2019, when the abrogation of Article 370 bifurcated the erstwhile state into two Union Territories.
“Today’s victory underscores the success of our Government’s policies,” Kichloo declared to a cheering crowd. He criticized the BJP, alleging that they resorted to horse-trading and manipulative tactics. “They did not possess the numbers needed but attempted to influence votes through various means,” he asserted, clearly pointing towards the alleged discrepancies during voting.
Kichloo further expressed concerns about some politicians who, according to him, strayed from their commitment to support the NC, opting instead to align with the BJP. He questioned, “We will identify those who backtracked after pledging their votes to us. The NC’s votes remained intact—there was no cross-voting. So where did the BJP’s four extra votes come from?”
By calling into question the legitimacy of the BJP’s victory, Kichloo accused them of deploying money and pressure to secure undeserved electoral success. “Let those who invalidated their votes or assisted the BJP have the courage to admit it. The people will soon know who sold their conscience,” he remarked, reflecting on the intense political rivalry and discontent between the two major parties in the region.
This event not only marks a significant moment for Kichloo and his party but also builds momentum for the National Conference as it looks to challenge BJP’s position in upcoming elections. The celebration today in Kishtwar serves as a reminder of the grassroots support that the NC continues to enjoy despite challenging political landscapes.
