Senior National Conference (NC) leader and former minister Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo returned to Kishtwar today to a rousing reception following his recent victory in the Rajya Sabha elections. Thousands of enthusiastic supporters gathered in the town, taking to the streets with a grand victory rally.
As Kichloo made his way through the main market and adjacent localities, jubilant workers and party functionaries garlanded him amid loud chants of “NC Zindabad” and “Kichloo Sahab Zindabad.” The supportive atmosphere showcased the fervor of the NC’s base as they celebrated this electoral achievement.
The celebratory rally advanced through various neighborhoods, culminating in an electrifying atmosphere filled with victory slogans and jubilant celebrations. This victory holds particular significance as the National Conference secured three out of four Rajya Sabha seats from Jammu and Kashmir, with the BJP clinching the remaining one. The NC hailed its success as a triumph of its policies under the leadership of Omar Abdullah, framing it as a public rejection of the controversial August 5, 2019 decisions, which led to the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories.
Speaking to the assembled crowd, Kichloo declared, “Today’s victory is a victory of our Government’s policies.” He criticized the BJP, suggesting they engaged in unethical practices to sway votes, asserting, “They did not have the numbers, yet used all resources to influence votes.”
Kichloo alleged that certain legislators failed to honor their commitments to the NC, instead supporting the BJP. “We will identify those who backtracked after pledging their votes to us. The NC’s votes remained intact — there was no cross-voting. So where did the BJP’s four extra votes come from?” Kichloo asked, underscoring the integrity of his party’s supporters.
He accused the BJP of employing financial incentives and pressure tactics in order to secure votes. “Let those who invalidated their votes or helped the BJP have the courage to admit it. The people will soon know who sold their conscience,” he asserted. Kichloo’s fiery rhetoric reflects the ongoing political tensions in the region as parties gear up for future electoral confrontations.
The warm reception Kichloo received in Kishtwar not only highlights the strength of the NC’s grassroots support but also positions him as an influential figure within the party, capable of galvanizing public sentiment. As political dynamics in Jammu and Kashmir continue to evolve, the implications of this victory will undoubtedly resonate in the years to come.