Senior National Conference (NC) leader Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo received an overwhelming welcome in Kishtwar following his recent victory in the Rajya Sabha elections. Kichloo’s supporters thronged to the town to celebrate this significant achievement, demonstrating their loyalty and enthusiasm for the party.
Thousands of jubilant supporters gathered in the main market and adjacent localities, participating in a grand victory rally. They garlanded Kichloo repeatedly, ringing out chants of “NC Zindabad” and “Kichloo Sahab Zindabad,” emblematic of the deep-rooted support he enjoys amongst the local populace.
This spirited rally traversed various neighborhoods, culminating in a vibrant celebration, underscoring the NC’s success in securing three out of four Rajya Sabha seats from Jammu and Kashmir. In contrast, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) managed to secure just one seat, indicating a significant shift in political sentiments.
Kichloo and his party characterized this electoral win as a validation of the policies spearheaded by Omar Abdullah and a clear rejection of the controversial decisions made on August 5, 2019. That day marked the abrogation of Article 370, which jeopardized the unique status of Jammu and Kashmir, bifurcating the erstwhile state into two Union Territories.
In front of an exuberant crowd, Kichloo remarked, “Today’s victory is a triumph for our government’s policies. The BJP thrives on horse-trading, and despite lacking the requisite numbers, they resorted to manipulative tactics in an attempt to skew the outcome.”
Taking aim at the rival party, Kichloo alleged some legislators failed to uphold their commitments to vote for the NC. “We will identify those who backtracked on their pledges. Despite the intimidation from the BJP, our votes remained unscathed without any cross-voting. Hence, one must wonder where the BJP’s additional four votes originated,” he questioned, challenging the integrity of the electoral process.
Further amplifying his criticism of the BJP, Kichloo asserted, “The BJP resorts to coercion and financial inducements. Those who compromised their votes or aided in this dubious process should openly declare their actions. The public will soon uncover the truth behind their betrayal.”
