Senior National Conference (NC) leader and former minister Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo received a hero’s welcome from jubilant supporters in Kishtwar today after his recent victory in the Rajya Sabha elections. Thousands gathered to celebrate, exchanging cheers and slogans in support of Kichloo and the NC.
Upon his arrival, Kichloo enjoyed a grand victory rally that coursed through the bustling main market and surrounding neighborhoods. Enthusiastic party workers adorned him with garlands and chanted slogans like “NC Zindabad” and “Kichloo Sahab Zindabad.” The atmosphere teemed with joy and a strong sense of community.
The rally saw thousands of participants, demonstrating widespread grassroots support for the National Conference. It wrapped up amidst lively celebrations and a chorus of victory slogans, marking a significant political milestone for the party.
The NC successfully secured three of the four Rajya Sabha seats from Jammu and Kashmir, relegating the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to a single seat. Kichloo emphasized that the NC’s victory reflected the party’s policies under the leadership of Omar Abdullah and signaled a rejection of the controversial August 5, 2019, decisions. These decisions led to the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile State into two Union Territories.
Kichloo took to the stage to deliver a powerful speech, asserting that this victory represents a triumph of the NC’s governance strategies. “Today’s victory is a victory of our Government’s policies. The BJP indulges in horse-trading,” he stated, underscoring allegations of unethical practices by opposition parties.
He criticized the BJP for supposedly using manipulative tactics to gain votes, questioning how the BJP secured four extra votes despite being outnumbered. “We will identify those who backtracked after pledging their votes to us,” Kichloo declared. The former minister firmly refuted any claims of cross-voting in favor of the NC.
Kichloo’s remarks hinted at deeper issues within Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape. He accused the BJP of leveraging monetary influence and other questionable methods to sway the outcome. “Let those who invalidated their votes or helped the BJP have the courage to admit it,” he challenged. “The people will soon know who sold their conscience.”
