Nagrota, Oct 20: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Monday said that the National Conference (NC) will emerge victorious in the upcoming Nagrota Assembly by-election, asserting that the people of J&K have full faith in the leadership of Omar Abdullah.
Speaking to reporters during an interaction at Nagrota, Choudhary said the National Conference has nominated Shamim Begum as its candidate for the by-election and expressed confidence in her victory.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir trust the National Conference. With Omar Abdullah reviving the Darbar Move, he has also revived the economy of J&K,” Choudhary said.
He appealed to the people of Nagrota to vote for the National Conference, saying that the party has always made bold and people-centric decisions for the state.
“It was the National Conference that gave the position of Deputy Chief Minister to Omar Abdullah and made Satish Sharma Sahib a minister. Our party has always worked for the development of Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
The Deputy Chief Minister urged voters to rise above caste and religion, accusing the BJP of dividing people on communal lines.
“BJP fights elections in the name of caste and religion. I appeal to the people of Nagrota to vote for Shamim Begum, the NC candidate, if they want their work to be done,” he said.
Referring to the party’s inclusive representation, Choudhary noted that the National Conference has given significant positions across all regions of J&K, including Jammu and the Chenab Valley.
“Despite the challenges, Omar Sahib has ensured representation for every region — whether in the Legislative Assembly, the Cabinet, or even the Rajya Sabha,” he said, citing examples such as Satish Sharma and Sajad Kuchloo.
Criticizing the BJP’s long tenure in the constituency, he said that those who ruled for 28 years “failed to deliver anything substantial.”
“Those who couldn’t help people even during the floods have nothing to offer now. The people should not rely on those who are still crying over their failures,” he remarked.
Addressing internal party matters, the Deputy CM refused to acknowledge Aga Ruhullah, clarifying that he only recognizes those who respect the party leadership.
“I respect only those who respect our leaders, Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah. I consider anyone who stands with them as my colleague. Those who deviate from the party’s line, I do not acknowledge,” he said.
He, however, expressed respect for Aga Mahmood, describing him as “a true leader fighting for the National Conference.”
Concluding his address, Choudhary reiterated confidence in the party’s win in Nagrota.
“The National Conference will take even bigger decisions for the future of Jammu and Kashmir. We will surely win the Nagrota seat—(KNO)
