We were betrayed on 4th Rajya Sabha seat: CM Omar
Srinagar, Oct 25: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said that the National Conference (NC) faced “betrayal” in the race for the fourth Rajya Sabha seat, stressing that no NC legislator engaged in cross-voting.
Speaking to reporters here, CM Omar said that the party had aimed for a clean sweep but fell short on the fourth due to a last-minute defection by some allies.
“No one should complain about 3-1. We tried our best for 4-0, but in the last stage, we were betrayed by some people. Almost everyone knows who betrayed us. It’s unfortunate, but I thank the Congress and other allies who supported the NC,” he said, without naming anyone.
The CM said that all NC votes were cast correctly and none were wasted.
“Not a single vote of the NC was wasted. All our voters showed their polling slips to the chief agent,” he said, dismissing reports of internal dissent.
CM Omar also criticised those who secretly supported the BJP, urging transparency.
“Some people stayed with us, attended meetings, ate our food, and then voted for the BJP. They should have had the courage to openly admit their intentions, unlike the Handwara MLA, who abstained instead of voting against the BJP,” he said.
The CM thanked the PDP legislators, Congress, and independents who supported 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 J&K,” he said.
The NC secured three of the four Rajya Sabha seats, while the BJP managed one.
Sources said the loss of the fourth seat came down to a few crucial votes in the final count.
On allegations of non-BJP MLAs aiding the saffron party, CM Omar said, “The only concern is those who attended NC meetings but voted differently. Such people should show courage and openly state whether they supported the BJP or invalidated their vote to help them.”
He reaffirmed that NC MPs would actively address J&K’s pressing issues in the Rajya Sabha.
“Not only statehood, they will raise the resolution passed in the Assembly on special status and other constitutional guarantees. They will speak on all issues affecting the people of J&K,” the CM said.
Despite the setback on the fourth seat, he expressed satisfaction that the party’s legislative strength and unity remained intact.
“Our voters stood by the party, and all NC votes went to our candidates. That is a matter of pride,” he said.
