NC sweeps J&K Rajya Sabha polls, BJP salvages one seat amid last-minute twists

In a politically charged contest that tested fragile alliances and exposed deep undercurrents in Jammu and Kashmir’s power corridors, the National Conference (NC) on October 24 swept three of the four Rajya Sabha seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) managed to retain a toehold by winning the fourth.

The NC’s clean sweep—powered by support from Congress, PDP and several Independents—underscored the party’s dominance in the J&K Assembly and its growing ability to unify non-BJP forces despite visible strains within the ruling alliance.

From Kupwara to Kishtwar, the outcome reflected a carefully calibrated campaign by NC leadership. Senior leader Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan, former legislator Sajad Kichloo, and party treasurer Shammi Oberoi were elected to the Upper House, while the BJP’s J&K unit chief Sat Sharma claimed the fourth seat after a closely fought contest against NC’s Imran Nabi Dar.

Omar’s unease surfaces amid celebration

While hailing the victory, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, also NC’s vice-president, admitted that the party had been “let down at the last moment,” a pointed remark hinting at shifting loyalties or unkept assurances within the alliance.

The fourth seat, which the NC had initially offered to Congress in a show of goodwill, became the sticking point. Congress declined, eyeing one of the two “safe seats,” pushing the NC to field candidates for all four. The decision nearly cost the alliance its sweep — until the BJP turned the tables in the final stretch.

PDP, Congress rally behind NC

Despite being in opposition, the PDP directed its legislators to back the NC in what it called a move for the “larger interest of the people of J&K.” PDP MLA Waheed Para said, “This was a contest between the BJP and the NC, and our vote ensures representation for J&K’s voice in Parliament.”

Congress too extended official backing, with state president Tariq Hameed Karra asserting, “We represent a larger cause—it is incumbent upon us to stand against divisive forces.” However, a letter from the Congress high command to Farooq Abdullah carried a note of discontent, expressing “disappointment” over the NC’s style of governance in the past year.

Support also poured in from unexpected quarters. AIP’s Sheikh Khursheed and Independent MLA Shabir Kullay both announced support for the NC, calling it a “vote against BJP’s anti-Kashmir agenda.”

Lone lashes out, calls it a “fixed match”

Not everyone was impressed. People’s Conference chief Sajad Lone — who abstained from voting — lashed out at both NC and BJP, calling the poll outcome a “fixed match.” “As predicted — fixed match. Axis of evil. NC and BJP. Thank God I abstained,” he said, claiming the results were “mathematically proved.” Lone said.

A prelude to deeper battles

The outcome, though decisive, has opened a new chapter of political maneuvering in J&K. The NC’s resurgence, Congress’s reluctant partnership, and the BJP’s persistence signal that the real contest is far from over—with the Rajya Sabha results serving as both a victory lap and a warning shot for alliances ahead of future electoral showdowns.