Srinagar, October 25, 2025 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said the National Conference (NC) was content with its 3–1 victory over the BJP in the recently held Rajya Sabha elections, but revealed that the party faced “betrayal from some quarters” during Friday’s polling.
The elections — the first in J&K since its reorganization as a Union Territory in 2019 — saw the NC secure three of the four seats, while the BJP bagged one. Speaking to reporters after inaugurating a chrysanthemum garden in Srinagar, Abdullah said that although the NC had aimed for a clean sweep, unexpected cross-voting prevented a 4–0 result.
“No one should have complaints about the 3–1 result. We tried our best to make it 4–0, but as I said in my X post, we faced betrayal from some quarters at the last moment. Almost everyone now knows the names of those who betrayed us. It was regretful,” he said.
The Chief Minister, however, expressed satisfaction that all NC votes remained intact, crediting alliance partners such as the Congress for their support.
“I thank all those who voted for NC, especially Congress and other colleagues. Not a single NC vote was wasted,” Abdullah noted.
Responding to questions about the BJP securing votes from non-BJP MLAs, he said some legislators who frequently attended NC meetings and appeared aligned with the party had “secretly helped the BJP”.
“Such people should have the courage to state openly that they supported the BJP, instead of doing it covertly,” he added, taking an indirect dig at Peoples Conference leader Sajad Lone, who abstained from voting.
When asked if he would thank the PDP for its support, Abdullah said he was grateful to “whoever voted for the NC and worked hard for the party’s success.”
He also reaffirmed that the newly elected NC MPs would raise vital issues in Parliament, including restoration of statehood and special constitutional guarantees for Jammu and Kashmir.
“They will talk about every issue concerning the people of J&K — statehood, special status, and other resolutions passed by the Assembly,” Abdullah said.
On the sidelines of the event, the Chief Minister inaugurated a chrysanthemum garden, aimed at extending the tourist season in the Valley.
“Our endeavour is to make Kashmir an all-season destination. Just like the Tulip Garden expanded our tourism window, this garden will extend it further,” he said.
