Srinagar, Nov 14 (KNS): After BJP candidate Devyani Rana clinched a decisive victory in the Nagrota bypoll, Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma on Friday said that the result was “expected” and reflected the people’s commitment to fulfilling the dreams of late Devender Singh Rana.

Speaking to reporters, Sharma said there was “nothing surprising” about the outcome. He said people of Nagrota had already made up their minds to elect Devyani Rana in memory of her late father and to carry forward his developmental vision.

Sharma said it was remarkable that a young woman entering politics for the first time was trusted with such a huge mandate. “This margin shows how strongly the people stood with her,” he said as per KNS.

Responding to allegations raised by rival candidate Harshdeep Singh who claimed kidnapping, liquor distribution and misuse of money, Sharma dismissed the statements and questioned the credibility of such accusations.

When asked about the National Conference’s loss in Budgam, Sharma termed it a direct setback for the Abdullah family. He said there was “unprecedented anger” among the youth, unemployed, women and elderly against Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his government.

“This defeat is not only of the National Conference but of Omar Abdullah and the entire Abdullah family,” Sharma said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHe added that people were tired of “corruption, broken promises and family rule.”

Sharma said that he had already predicted the NC’s defeat two weeks earlier due to visible public resentment on the ground.

Sharma also said that the BJP’s performance in Kashmir was improving and the party was gaining acceptance as an alternative to traditional regional parties.

“Our effort is clear. The people of Kashmir have rejected PDP and are now rejecting the family-driven politics of the Abdullahs. BJP is emerging as the only option that matches people’s aspirations,” he said.

Referring to protests against prepaid electricity meters, Sharma said the Budgam result also reflected people’s rejection of what he called an “anti-development narrative.”

“The anti-government campaign on prepaid meters misled people. Today, voters of Budgam have rejected that narrative completely,” he said.

Sharma said that a “larger fight against family rule” had begun in Jammu and Kashmir and that its impact would be seen in the coming months.(KNS)