NC optimistic but silent on predicting victory in 4 seats

NC optimistic but silent on predicting victory in 4 seats

On the eve of the counting, the sitting candidates cross their fingers

SRINAGAR: Farooq Abdullah’s Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC), which is a key part of the Congress-led INDIA bloc in Jammu and Kashmir, is apparently optimistic about the exit poll prediction of his victory on the three seats in the Kashmir Valley. .
Even in the Union Territory of Ladakh, most exit polls pointed to former NC Kargil district president Haji Mohammad Haneefa Jan, who is widely seen as the de facto candidate of the NC, as the winner. INDIA block.
Nonetheless, the NC’s predicament lies in most exit polls showing the BJP-led NDA alliance in an unprecedented range of 342-401 nationally, compared to a lower range of 130-200 seats for the INDIA bloc.
The NC has avoided making a categorical statement through a press release or on “X” in reaction to the exit polls. While President Farooq Abdullah chose to remain silent, Vice President Omar Abdullah did not post anything on ‘X’ on June 3. His last tweet on June 2 demonstrated his unwavering confidence in the credibility of electronic voting machines (EVMs).
“Until there is proof, I refuse to believe #EVM manipulation theories,” Omar commented, rejecting all conspiracy theories and speculations projected by some political leaders and parties.
“So far, there is no definitive evidence demonstrating that EVM results can be manipulated. In an election of this magnitude, rigging requires the participation of hundreds, if not thousands, of people. This cannot be kept secret. Whatever the outcome, it is better to accept it without blaming the EVMs. If anyone produces conclusive evidence beyond stories of weird EVMs showing a vote for Lotus regardless of which button is pressed, I’ll be happy to change my mind. #Elections2024,” added Omar.
The NC’s last tweet, at 8:04 p.m. on June 3, was about the National Green Tribunal (NGT) issuing a notice to the Jammu and Kashmir government regarding “damage to agriculture” due to the construction of the Srinagar Ring Road . .
NC Srinagar candidate Aga Ruhullah’s last tweet on June 3 at 5:37 pm also spoke about the natural beauty of the Kashmir Valley. He also posted a video of the picturesque sylvan cover of the valley and streams in the woods.
PDP Srinagar candidate Waheedur Rehman Parra’s last tweet on June 2 was about collard greens, a staple vegetable of the valley, originally posted by senior journalist Yousuf Jameel.
PDP’s latest tweet on June 2 reposted party president Mehbooba Mufti’s appeal to Foreign Minister Dr Jaishankar seeking his help in transporting the mortal remains of a Rajouri Kabir Khan worker from Saudi Arabia to Jammu and Kashmir.
On June 2, Mehbooba Mufti’s last tweet offered her condolences to the bereaved family of Kabir Khan, who died in Saudi Arabia. She sought help from the Indian MEA to transport late Khan’s mortal remains to his home. She too avoided saying anything about the exit poll results and the prospects of her party’s candidates in the Lok Sabha elections.
However, the Mufti’s daughter Iltija tweeted at 8:51 p.m. on June 3 regarding national exit poll predictions.
“If the BJP indeed crosses the 370 mark, tonight will mark the last day of the Indian Constitution. The brute majority will officially give way to the India of Godhse and most certainly to a Hindu Rashtra. The country we knew will now cease to exist,” tweeted a pessimistic young mufti.
Peoples Conference president and Baramulla candidate Sajad Lone also avoided reacting. His last tweet on May 31 offered condolences to his constituent and worker Tariq Mir of Rafiabad, whose brother Farooq Ahmad Mir reportedly died in Samba, Jammu.
None of the leaders or parties in Jammu and Kashmir, including the Congress, the BJP and the Apni Party, made any statement on the prospects of Tuesday’s vote counting.
The NC’s underlying jubilation was evident in most exit polls, indicating the party’s victory in all three seats in Kashmir as well as the odd seat in Ladakh where the party is seen to have fielded a candidate by proxy. There is a widespread perception in the UTs of J&K and Ladakh that the INDIA bloc fielded a Buddhist leader from the Leh-based Congress party only to split the Buddhist vote. In this scenario, the victory of a Muslim from Kargil, who is the unanimous choice of all political, social and religious organizations in the region, is inevitable.
The NC’s additional jubilation comes from an investigation by the Gulistan TV channel published on June 1 and retweeted by Farooq Abdullah’s party. This survey showed Omar Abdullah with 40% of the votes as the most popular and representative leader capable of safeguarding the interests of all communities. Among the 9 candidates in the fray, Mehbooba Mufti got 30% votes, Dr Jitendra Singh of BJP 23%, Jugal Kishore of BJP and Raman Bhala of Congress 20% each, Sajad Lone 15%, Lal Singh of Congress and Zafar Iqbal . Manhas of Apni Party 10% each and GM Saroori of DPAP only 0.2%.
The TV channel’s survey showed that the NC had 43.42% of the popularity vote, PDP 30.92%, Congress 16.45% and BJP in J&K only 8.55%.

Updated on 04/06/2024 00:19:18