Jammu, Nov 14: Leader of Opposition in Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma on Friday said that the election results in Nagrota and Budgam clearly reflect the public’s verdict against “nepotism, corruption and family-driven politics” in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to reporters, Sharma, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the victory of Devyani Rana in Nagrota was “inevitable” as the people voted to fulfill the dreams of the late Devender Singh Rana.
“Nagrota’s result was definite. The people had already decided to elect Devyani Rana to bring peace to the soul of Swargi Devender Singh Rana and carry forward his vision. What is astonishing is the massive margin with which a young leader entering politics for the first time has been blessed,” he said.
Reacting to allegations from rival leaders regarding misuse of money and influence, Sharma said such claims only show their “lack of trust” in the public mandate.
On the Budgam by-poll, Sharma termed it a “historic rejection of the Abdullah family.”
“This is the defeat of the Abdullah family and Omar Abdullah. I have not seen such public anger against any former Chief Minister in such a short time. People are fed up with corruption, nepotism, deceit and broken promises,” he said.
Sharma said he had predicted the NC’s defeat earlier, sensing the discontent among youth, women and the elderly. “I said 15 days ago that they would lose on the 14th. People have rejected family dictatorship,” he added.
Responding to questions about the BJP’s performance in Budgam, Sharma said the party has made significant inroads. “We did not contest in 2024, but this time we fielded Agha Mohsin. We are ahead of many regional parties,” he said.
On whether the BJP would open its account in Kashmir in upcoming elections, Sharma said the party has emerged as a strong alternative. “The people of Kashmir now see the BJP as an option. Just as they rejected the PDP and are rejecting the Abdullah family today, we believe they will choose the BJP in the future,” he said.
Commenting on internal issues within the National Conference and the so-called “Aunty government,” Sharma said the public verdict is clear. “The war against nepotism has begun in J&K. The prepaid-meter policy and misgovernance have been rejected in Budgam. This result is the answer,” he added. (KNO)
