Denies any secret pact, says BJP deal offer was rejected early
Srinagar, Oct 25 (KNS): National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had approached his party ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir with a proposal to share seats, which the NC declined.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar as per KNS , Abdullah said the BJP wanted the NC to avoid contesting the polls in exchange for a seat arrangement. “They came to us and said—don’t come to the elections, give us the seats and take one,” Abdullah said. “We refused. We came to the field and fought,” he added.
The NC won three of the four Rajya Sabha seats from Jammu and Kashmir, while the BJP managed to secure one, following an election marked by intense political maneuvering and shifting alliances. Abdullah expressed gratitude to the Congress, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and independent legislators for supporting the NC’s candidates.
“It is because of their support that we managed to win three seats,” Abdullah said. “I am thankful to Mehbooba Ji’s party, to the Congress, and to the independents from Langate and Shopian who stood with us.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel”
When asked about allegations that the fourth seat was lost due to miscalculation or a lack of preparation, Abdullah dismissed the claim as “propaganda.” “If we had not prepared, how would we have got 27 votes?” he asked.
He also brushed aside speculation of any “fixed match” between the NC and other parties. “There have always been allegations, even against prophets. We are ordinary people; we will face such things,” he said.
Responding to questions about the NC’s stance on electricity meters—an issue that has drawn public criticism—Abdullah said power cannot be free. “Even when I was Chief Minister, I said this—power is not free. We spend thousands of crores on roads, schools, and hospitals. We have to pay for electricity,” he remarked.
Abdullah also said that the NC’s three newly elected Rajya Sabha members will represent Jammu and Kashmir’s voice in the Upper House. “You will see what issues they raise,” he said, adding that the party remains committed to safeguarding the interests of the people of the Union Territory.(KNS).