People Have the Right to Choose : MLA Gulmarg; Vows Comeback After Stinging Budgam Defeat

Suhail Khan

Srinagar, Nov 14: In the wake of a significant defeat in the Budgam bypolls, the results of which were declared on Friday, senior National Conference leader and MLA Gulmarg Farooq Ahmad Shah, stated that the people have the right to choose their representatives.

Speaking to Kashmir Convener, Shah acknowledged the loss but affirmed the party’s commitment to intensify its efforts. “We respect the people’s mandate. This defeat will motivate the National Conference to perform better and fulfill the promises we have made to the people of Budgam and the entire Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

Shah characterized the electoral contest as a coalition of opposition forces aligned against his party. “It was a scenario of ‘all against one,’ with all other parties uniting to defeat the National Conference in Budgam,” he claimed.

He emphasized that the NC remains a party of the people, citing its victory a year ago as evidence of public support.

Responding to criticism that the NC failed to deliver in Budgam, Shah defended the government’s record. He highlighted that only a year has passed since the NC government was formed and asserted that Budgam has not been neglected in terms of development. “Substantial work has been carried out in the constituency under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah,” Shah stated.

He pointed to recent announcements, including ongoing developmental projects worth 110 crore rupees in Budgam and plans for further initiatives.

While conceding that the constituency had faced developmental shortcomings in the past, Shah stated that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah himself choosed the candidate from Budgam, which he suggested should have guaranteed significant government attention. “Ultimately, it was the people’s choice to reject the NC and support the PDP. However, this will not hinder our commitment to fulfilling the promises made by CM Omar to the people,” he assured.

The MLA urged the public to maintain faith in the government. “People should be patient. The NC government will certainly perform better. We will leave no stone unturned in the next four years to completely fulfill every promise made to the people,” he said.

He further stated that when the government’s report card is presented in five years, the opposition parties “will be nowhere to be seen.” Shah reiterated that from employment generation to major projects, the National Conference is dedicated to the comprehensive development of Jammu and Kashmir.