Did Sajad Lone Just Accuse NC of 'Gifting' 7 MLAs to BJP?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Sajad Lone accuses NC of aiding BJP in Rajya Sabha polls.
- Omar Abdullah questions Lone's credibility after his election boycott.
- Concerns raised over the reservation policy affecting merit.
- NC won three Rajya Sabha seats, BJP secured one.
- Lone plans ground-level protests against current policies.
Srinagar, Oct 25 (NationPress) The chief of People's Conference (PC) and MLA Sajad Lone has raised serious allegations against the National Conference (NC), claiming they have effectively "gifted" seven MLAs to the BJP during the recent Rajya Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir. In response, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has admonished Sajad, suggesting he should not behave like a "professor" after opting to boycott the elections himself.
During a press conference held in the region, Sajad Lone reiterated his accusations against NC for allegedly facilitating cross-voting in favor of the BJP. He expressed his concerns about the ongoing reservation policy in the Union Territory, which he argues is undermining merit and inhibiting opportunities for Kashmiri candidates seeking government positions.
"This administration is intent on obliterating merit. The concept of open merit has been stifled. We will soon initiate a comprehensive campaign against this detrimental policy," stated Sajad Lone, emphasizing that the current circumstances are leading Kashmir towards a significant crisis.
Moreover, he indicated that his party might resort to protests if necessary. "If hunger strikes or mass demonstrations are warranted, we will not hesitate. Enough is enough," he asserted.
In the Rajya Sabha elections that took place last Friday, the NC secured three seats while the BJP obtained one out of the four available.
Omar Abdullah criticized Sajad Lone for boycotting the recent election, suggesting it was a move to safeguard the BJP's interests. He remarked that Sajad Lone did not wish to vote against the BJP. "Lone had his reasons for not wanting to damage the BJP's position, leading to his public boycott of the elections," CM Omar expressed.
Taking a swipe at Lone, the Chief Minister added, "Now he is performing theatrics like a professor, but the public should recall his actions during the election process." Omar Abdullah's remarks came after the BJP's surprising success in securing a Rajya Sabha seat from Jammu and Kashmir, despite the NC claiming that all its votes were secure.