JAMMU, SEPTEMBER 25: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday announced that the National Conference (NC) will independently decide its strategy and candidates for the upcoming elections to four vacant Rajya Sabha seats from the Union Territory, while also considering its allies’ interests. The Election Commission on Wednesday declared that the biennial polls to fill the seats, vacant seats since 2021 will be held on October 24.
“There are four seats. We will decide how many we will contest and how many we will leave for our allies,” Abdullah told reporters during a visit to flood-affected areas of Mahore sub-division in Reasi district. Responding to speculation that NC president Dr. Farooq Abdullah and former minister Sajjad Kitchloo might be fielded for the Upper House, he said, “People can speculate as much as they want, but the decision will rest with the party. As far as I know, no such discussion has taken place within the National Conference yet.”
The Chief Minister also addressed the devastating impact of recent flash floods across Jammu and Kashmir, describing the widespread damage to both public infrastructure and private property. “In several places, entire hillsides have collapsed, leading to the destruction of numerous homes. There are areas where houses have been washed away completely, and vast tracts of agricultural land have suffered severe damage,” he said.
Omar Abdullah assured flood-hit families that the government is committed to extending all possible support and relief to those affected. “I have spoken to the victims and assured them that we will do everything we can to help them rebuild their lives,” he added.