‘No secret deal’: Farooq Abdullah denies Sajad Lone’s charge of NC gifting votes to BJP

• Farooq Abdullah, BJP dismiss ‘fixed match’ charge, say Rajya Sabha polls were fought fairly

SRINAGAR, October 25: The political storm surrounding the recent Rajya Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir intensified on Saturday, with both the National Conference (NC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly rejecting allegations of a “fixed match” between the two parties.

NC president Farooq Abdullah dismissed the charge made by People’s Conference (PC) chief Sajad Gani Lone, who had alleged that the NC had “gifted” seven votes to the BJP in a backroom understanding. Abdullah said his party had “categorically rejected” any such arrangement and had preferred a fair electoral contest over political compromise.

“Had we gifted the seat to the BJP, how did our fourth candidate still secure 21 votes? There was no gift, no deal. In fact, the BJP had approached us, suggesting that we take three seats and give them one uncontested. But we refused. We said we will contest, and the outcome will be decided democratically,” Abdullah told reporters in Srinagar.

He said the NC’s victory on three seats was a “collective success of all secular and democratic voices,” acknowledging the support of the Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the polls. “All our MLAs remained united; the BJP could not break even one. I am thankful to Mehbooba Mufti’s PDP, the Congress, and independent MLAs from Langate and Shopian for supporting us,” Abdullah said.

Referring to NC’s fourth candidate, Imran Nabi Dar, who lost to BJP’s Sat Sharma, Abdullah said it was “regretful” that some legislators “backtracked” from their commitments. “He got 21 votes but fell short because a few people did not keep their promise. Whether it was betrayal or miscalculation, only God knows,” Abdullah remarked.

On Friday, the ruling National Conference had won three Rajya Sabha seats, while the BJP secured one in what was the first Upper House election since the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory in 2019.

Rejecting Sajad Lone’s claims of “understanding” between the NC and BJP, Abdullah said such accusations were “propaganda aimed at discrediting the opposition.” “Even our Prophet was accused and faced allegations. We are nothing in comparison, and we too must face and fight such baseless charges,” he said.

Meanwhile, BJP leaders also rubbished Lone’s “fixed match” allegation, insisting that their win reflected genuine support from legislators dissatisfied with the NC-led government. Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma said, “We thank the seven legislators who rejected the NC’s politics and stood by their conscience. They sent a strong message to the ruling party. The BJP did not contact any legislator; we only appealed for votes against anti-people policies.”

Sajad Lone, who had earlier dubbed the election result as “proof of collusion” between the NC and BJP, reiterated his accusation, claiming, “All the cross-voting was done by the NC. This was not horse-trading but a political pact with Delhi. The NC’s real tally is 70 if you count their hidden understanding with the BJP.”

However, Abdullah countered these claims, asserting that his party’s campaign was transparent and democratic. “Had we not worked hard, how would our fourth candidate still manage 21 votes? This propaganda is being spread to divert attention from others’ failures,” he said.

The NC leader also expressed gratitude towards alliance partners for standing together “in defence of democracy and regional dignity.” He confirmed that the PDP had supported NC candidates and thanked Mehbooba Mufti for her “principled stand.”

Addressing unrelated queries on electricity and smart meters, Abdullah said people must understand that power cannot be free. “We pay thousands of crores for electricity. To safeguard J&K’s future, people must accept austerity and prevent power theft,” he said, calling for responsible citizenship.

As political blame games continue, the Rajya Sabha election outcome has widened the rift among opposition parties in Jammu and Kashmir, revealing deep fault lines ahead of the upcoming bypolls.