Says Sajad Lone’s withdrawal benefits BJP; urges opposition unity
Srinagar, Oct 14: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in the Union Territory have effectively turned into a direct contest between the National Conference (NC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), urging all opposition parties to unite against the saffron party.
Speaking to reporters in Baramulla, Omar said that the decision of People’s Conference chief Sajad Lone to abstain from the polls would only serve the interests of the BJP.
“You and I know who benefits from this. I appeal to others not to stay away. This is a direct contest between the NC and BJP — not voting for NC means helping the BJP,” he said.
Omar urged all opposition parties, including the PDP and Congress, to come together to prevent the BJP from gaining ground.
“If the objective is to stop the BJP, every party must participate and vote strategically. Staying out of the contest only weakens the collective fight,” he asserted.
Responding to reports of strain within the INDIA bloc, the Chief Minister clarified that the alliance between the NC and Congress remains firm.
“We had initially wanted Congress to contest the fourth seat, as that would have maximized our chances. But since Congress opted out, we were left with no choice but to field our own candidate,” he said.
Reaffirming NC’s commitment to opposition unity, Omar said his party remains determined to ensure the BJP’s defeat.
“Our objective is clear — the BJP must be stopped. We will contest every seat with that goal in mind,” he said.
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