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The recent Rajya Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir revealed significant setbacks for the National Conference (NC), as invalid votes and cross-voting slashed its vote share in every round. The Hindu reported that the NC, which fielded two candidates—retired bureaucrat Syed Akhtar Hussain and senior leader Shamsher Singh Manhas—faced unexpected losses due to internal dissent and tactical missteps.
Why Did the NC Lose Ground in J&K Rajya Sabha Polls?
Held on February 15, the polls saw the BJP win 3 of 4 seats, while the NC secured only one—far below expectations. An analysis highlights two major reasons for the party’s decline:
- Invalid Votes Crippled NC’s Chances
- At least two critical votes were rejected due to incorrect marking.
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Exposes lack of training and discipline among NC MLAs.
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Cross-Voting Favored BJP
- 3+ NC MLAs reportedly defected, either abstaining or supporting BJP-backed candidates.
- Suggests internal disunity or potential horse-trading.
Political Repercussions for NC and BJP
- NC Leadership Under Fire: Omar Abdullah admitted the party “could have done better” but avoided naming defectors.
- BJP Celebrates Dominance: Claims the results reflect its growing influence in J&K since the 2018 dissolution of the elected government.
What This Means for J&K’s Future
- NC’s Crisis: The party must tighten MLA discipline, prevent defections, and reconnect with voters before the Lok Sabha polls.
- BJP’s Strategy: Strengthens foothold, but long-term success depends on future state elections (if held).
Key Takeaways
- Invalid votes and cross-voting cost the NC crucial seats.
- The BJP’s sweep signals a shift in J&K’s political power dynamics.
- NC must act fast to avoid further decline in upcoming elections.
(Word count: 320 – Condensed for SEO without losing key details.)
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