Farooq Abdullah says defeat in Budgam a ‘lesson’; Calls for introspection

Srinagar, Nov 15: National Conference (NC) President, Dr. Farooq Abdullah Saturday reacted to the party’s defeat in the Budgam Assembly by-election, saying the outcome should be taken as a “lesson” rather than a setback, and that the party will work on its shortcomings.

Speaking to the media, Farooq Abdullah said the party must reflect on the reasons behind the loss.

“We should be happy; it gives us a lesson. We should not panic. Defeat teaches us a lesson, and wherever there are shortcomings, we will try to improve them,” he said.

His remarks came after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) registered a historic win in Budgam for the first time, defeating the National Conference candidate by a margin of 4,478 votes.

The Budgam seat, long considered a stronghold of NC, slipped from the party’s grip in the by-election held after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah vacated the constituency to retain Ganderbal—(KNO)