Srinagar, Oct 13: As political activity intensifies ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir on October 24, Union Minister Jitendra Singh and Leader of Opposition Sunil Kumar Sharma on Monday made contrasting statements on the state’s political dynamics and alliances.
Speaking after accompanying the three BJP candidates—Sat Sharma, Ali Mohammad Mir, and Rakesh Mahajan—who filed their nominations, Singh said the party will not resort to unfair practices to win the polls.
“It is wrong to say that we will incite cross-voting or indulge in buying votes. The BJP is a democratic party; we believe in and follow democratic principles,” he said, adding that MLAs are expected to vote by conscience in the interest of Jammu and Kashmir.
Singh highlighted the importance of experienced leaders in governance and said strengthening the BJP’s presence in the Rajya Sabha is crucial to raising J&K’s voice in Parliament. He also underscored Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s focus on the Union Territory’s welfare over the last 11 years, noting the PM’s visit after the 2014 floods and his first Diwali in J&K after assuming office.
Meanwhile, BJP LoP Sunil Kumar Sharma launched a sharp attack on the Congress party, calling it a “puppet” of the National Conference (NC). He claimed that Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah was imposed on Congress MLAs as Chief Minister in 1975 following his release from jail, and alleged that the Congress continues to act under NC directives.
“Congress doesn’t have its own existence in Jammu and Kashmir. It merely follows decisions made by the NC leadership. Even today, all decisions of the Congress party are dictated by the National Conference. The Congress has been repeatedly humiliated by NC, yet it remains unashamed,” Sharma said, responding to questions about the party opting out of the Rajya Sabha polls after being offered a “risky” seat.
With four Rajya Sabha seats up for grabs and no party issuing a voting whip, political strategies and alliances are expected to play a decisive role in the October 24 elections.
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