NC orders MLAs to follow whip
Srinagar, Oct 23: A day before the Rajya Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the ruling National Conference (NC) on Thursday issued a strict three-line whip to all its legislators, directing them to remain present in the assembly and vote in favour of the party’s candidates.
The polling for four Rajya Sabha seats is scheduled to take place on Friday.
According to the directive issued by NC’s chief whip Mubarak Gul, all MLAs have been instructed not to abstain, stay absent, or vote against the party’s official line during the election.
“All members are required to remain present and cast their votes in favour of the NC candidates,” the whip stated.
The NC has fielded candidates for all four seats, while the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has nominated three.
With its numerical strength in the assembly, the NC is expected to comfortably secure three seats, while the contest for the fourth seat is set to be closely fought.
Meanwhile, NC President Farooq Abdullah asserted that the Congress had decided to back the NC in the Rajya Sabha elections.
“The Congress is with us and fully supports us,” Abdullah said about the party’s position ahead of the polls.
His statement follows reports of unease within the coalition after the Congress stayed away from a meeting of NC legislators on Wednesday.
The Congress had earlier accused the NC of going back on its understanding to spare a Rajya Sabha safe seat for it.
The absence of its leaders from the pre-poll meeting had sparked talk of friction within the ruling alliance.
However, Abdullah downplayed the controversy and insisted the alliance remained strong and united.
About his own absence from the Rajya Sabha race, the three-time chief minister said he wanted to focus on Jammu and Kashmir.
“I have been in Parliament for more than 20 years. Now it’s time to take care of my home. When our home is strong and peaceful, the nation will also prosper,” he said. “Younger leaders should now take the mantle forward. The young generation must go to Parliament to speak for the people and highlight their difficulties. Our MPs should not only talk about Kashmir but also about the challenges facing the entire country.”
Reaffirming his belief in India’s plural identity, the NC president said the country’s strength lies in its diversity.
“India’s unity in diversity is its greatest strength. Change is constant, and no government stays forever. We must keep faith and patience; everything will be fine as long as we uphold tolerance,” he said.
Abdullah also commented on global trade issues, urging the United States to withdraw heavy tariffs on Indian goods.
“America should roll back such taxes. History shows that arrogance brings down even the mightiest empires – British, Roman, Persian, or Russian,” he said.
On local concerns, particularly the public anger over the installation of smart electricity meters, Abdullah appealed for restraint and understanding.
“People should realise the government buys power spending crores of rupees. We must use electricity responsibly,” he said.
Commenting on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s remarks urging people to check for Halal certification on products, the NC president said it was for the people of Uttar Pradesh to decide, emphasising that India’s strength lies in its unity in diversity.
“As long as we uphold diversity, India will remain strong. No government is permanent. Change is inevitable. We must stay patient and tolerant. God belongs to everyone, regardless of religion, and that is India’s greatest blessing,” he said.
