Says, Who Knows, Even a Deputy CM’s Conscience Was Stirred in the Recently Held RS Election
Suhail Khan
Srinagar, Oct 30: Vikram Randhawa, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Bahu Constituency, has made a significant claim, alleging that approximately eight legislators from the rival National Conference (NC) are politically aligned with the BJP.
Speaking exclusively with The Web Story/The Varmul Post, Randhawa commented on the BJP’s strategy in the recent Rajya Sabha elections. “Our party has never sought to divide the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We fielded candidates from both divisions—from Kashmir as well as from Jammu—and aimed to contest for all seats. While we unfortunately lost two seats, we were leading in another. Overall, we believe around eight MLAs are providing us with their support,” he stated.
To emphasize his point, Randhawa added, “If one were to examine the loyalties of all the MLAs from Kashmir, the identities of these eight individuals would become clear.” He further claimed that the public is already aware of who they are, particularly in light of the BJP candidate’s success in the recent Rajya Sabha elections.
Randhawa also asserted that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is well aware of the MLAs who voted in the BJP’s favor.
In a more speculative comment, the BJP MLA suggested possible external influence, remarking, “Perhaps even a Deputy Chief Minister’s conscience was stirred, leading him to vote for us. He may have considered his enduring connection with the people of Jammu and the fluid nature of political affiliations. Who knows, he might even be concerned that he could leave the NC someday and would then have to answer to the public.”
Responding to Education Minister Sakina Itoo’s assertion that the National Conference has fulfilled 80 percent of its manifesto, Randhawa dismissed the claim. “Perhaps Minister Itoo is only referring to her own portfolio in the Health Department, because otherwise, the NC government has been a comprehensive failure,” he said. “If they are making such a claim, this government must issue a white paper to substantiate it, so the public can see the truth for themselves.”
Addressing another NC allegation that the central government in Delhi is obstructing their work, Randhawa was unequivocal. “These allegations are completely false,” he stated. “The reality is that the central government is the one guiding them; they are even directing the Chief Minister.”
