RS poll results: Not appropriate to name MLAs who betrayed us, says CM Omar
Srinagar, Oct 25: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said the National Conference (NC) was “betrayed” in the race for the fourth Rajya Sabha seat, asserting that there was no cross-voting by any NC legislator in the elections.
Speaking to reporters after the results were declared, Omar said the party had aimed for a 4–0 sweep but lost the fourth seat due to last-minute “betrayal” by some allies.
“No one should complain about 3–1. We tried our best for 4–0, but as I said in my Twitter (X) post, at the last stage, we were betrayed by some people,” Omar said, adding that it was not appropriate to name anyone.
“Almost everyone knows who betrayed us. It’s unfortunate, but I thank the Congress and others who supported the National Conference.”
The Chief Minister maintained that all NC votes were cast correctly and none were wasted.
“Not a single vote of the National Conference was wasted. All our voters showed their polling slips to the Chief Agent,” he said, dismissing reports of internal dissent.
Omar took a dig at those he accused of “helping the BJP secretly,” saying they should have the courage to admit it publicly.
“These people stayed with us, attended our meetings, ate our food, and then went with the BJP. It would have been better if they had openly said they wanted to help the BJP, like the MLA from Handwara who chose to abstain instead of voting against them,” he said.
The Chief Minister also expressed gratitude to the PDP legislators and other allies who voted for NC candidates.
“Those who voted for us and worked for our candidates’ success deserve thanks. I hope our representatives in the Rajya Sabha will raise key issues — from restoration of statehood to constitutional guarantees and special status — in the interest of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
The National Conference won three of the four Rajya Sabha seats from Jammu and Kashmir, while the BJP secured one. The loss of the fourth seat, sources said, came down to a few crucial votes that slipped away in the final count.
