SRINAGAR: National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday revealed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had offered his party a seat-sharing proposal ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir, which the NC turned down.
Addressing reporters in Srinagar, Abdullah said the BJP had urged the National Conference not to contest the elections in return for a seat-sharing arrangement. “They approached us, saying—stay away from the polls, let us have the seats, and take one in return,” Abdullah stated. “We declined their offer and decided to contest,” he added.
The NC won three of the four Rajya Sabha seats from Jammu 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.”
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.
