Criticizes Omar over ‘agency’ allegations
Kupwara: Peoples Conference president Sajad Gani Lone on Thursday filed nomination papers from Handwara and Kupwara assembly segments.
Accompanied by hundreds of workers and senior party leaders, Lone was taken out in a procession from his residence here this morning to the office of Returning Officer for Handwara segment where he filed his nomination papers.
Lone’s Peoples Conference has maintained a strong grip over the Handwara assembly segment for more than a decade now. In 2014 assembly polls, Lone defeated the National Conference candidate by more than 5000 votes. In 2019 Lok Sabha polls, PC secured a lead of 8000 over NC. In 2024 polls, NC was pushed to the third position in the segment with PC securing a lead of more than 7000 over it.
Later, in the afternoon, Sajad Lone filed nomination papers for the Kupwara segment. Lone’s decision to contest from Kupwara has set the stage for an intense electoral battle between him and Nasir Aslam Wani of National Conference. The other candidates in the fray include Firdous Baba(AIP) and Fayaz Ahmad Mir( PDP). In 2024 LS polls, Mir, who was PDP candidate from Baramulla segment, forfeited deposit and stood 4th in Kupwara assembly segment.
Criticizes Omar over ‘agency’ allegations
Meanwhile, Lone took a pointed jab at National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, criticizing the growing culture of blame around alleged agency involvement in Kashmir’s politics.
Speaking to reporters in Handwara today, Lone remarked, “Omar should say who will contest against him who is not with the agency. It has become a joke that every Kashmiri is speaking against each other about agencies.”
He highlighted the widespread accusations that have become a hallmark of Kashmir’s political discourse, where rival leaders frequently accuse each other of having ties to various agencies.
When questioned about the recent bail granted to Engineer Rashid, Lone downplayed the significance of the event, stating, “On Engineer Rashid’s bail, there are thousands of people getting bail, there is no discussion anymore in this.”
He dismissed the matter as routine, suggesting it no longer warranted political debate.
In response to inquiries about his party’s prospects in the upcoming elections, Lone expressed confidence in the support of the electorate. “I have submitted the form, and we are hopeful that the people will give us the chance to win,” he stated as per news agency KINS, signaling his optimism for the political future of his party.
Reflecting on the personal challenges he has faced, Lone said, “Everybody was pointing fingers towards me, but my god is giving me help, and now the people know.” He suggested that despite the ongoing criticism, he feels vindicated and believes the people of Kashmir are beginning to recognize his efforts.
Lone’s comments come as political tensions rise in the region, with various leaders positioning themselves for key roles ahead of the upcoming elections. KNO/ KINS
