Politics – PDP and NC Exchange Sharp Remarks Over Rajya Sabha Voting Row
Politics – The political dispute between the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the National Conference (NC) has intensified after fresh revelations related to the 2025 Rajya Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The latest disagreement revolves around the PDP’s decision not to appoint an authorised polling agent during the election process, a move that has triggered criticism from the NC leadership.
PDP Says Debate Is Distracting From Larger Concerns
PDP MLA Waheed Para said the ongoing criticism regarding the Rajya Sabha elections is being deliberately amplified to divert public attention from more pressing issues. According to him, controversies surrounding educational institutions and the removal of Urdu from official records deserve greater focus than the election dispute.
Para argued that the debate over the Rajya Sabha outcome has been turned into a political distraction instead of addressing governance-related concerns affecting the region. He also stated that the NC’s reaction appeared disproportionate considering the broader political environment in Jammu and Kashmir.
Rajya Sabha Election Result Triggered Political Questions
The Rajya Sabha elections for four vacant seats in Jammu and Kashmir were held on October 24, 2025. Although the National Conference had the support of a larger number of legislators, the party managed to secure only three seats. The fourth seat unexpectedly went to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), creating political controversy across party lines.
BJP leader Sat Sharma defeated NC candidate Imran Nabi Dar during the contest for the fourth seat. Sharma received more votes than the BJP’s expected tally, while several votes were declared invalid during counting. The result immediately led to allegations and counter-allegations among regional political parties.
RTI Disclosure Added Fresh Tension
The controversy gained momentum after a Right to Information response reportedly revealed that the PDP had not appointed any authorised agents for the Rajya Sabha polls despite having representation in the Assembly at that time.
Assembly records showed that authorised agents were appointed by the National Conference, BJP and Congress to oversee verification of votes cast by their legislators. Following this disclosure, NC leaders questioned the PDP’s role and accused the party of failing to ensure transparency during the election process.
PDP Rejects Allegations of Supporting BJP
Responding to the criticism, Waheed Para rejected claims that the PDP had indirectly helped the BJP during the Rajya Sabha election. He said the PDP was under no political obligation to support the National Conference, particularly after previous disagreements between opposition parties in Jammu and Kashmir.
Para referred to earlier political developments, including the weakening of opposition alliances and disagreements during Assembly election arrangements. Despite these differences, he claimed the PDP had still extended support in good faith and had not acted against opposition interests.
He also defended PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, saying she neither abstained from voting nor placed any conditions before extending support. According to him, her advice had been focused on securing the third Rajya Sabha seat instead of politicising the contest for the uncertain fourth seat.
NC Leaders Continue Criticism
National Conference spokesperson Shriya Handoo strongly criticised the PDP for not appointing an authorised agent in what she described as an open ballot system requiring proper oversight.
She stated that appointing agents was a fundamental responsibility and argued that the PDP could not claim transparency while avoiding the official verification mechanism available during the election process. Handoo further said the NC had worked to strengthen Jammu and Kashmir’s representation in Parliament, while the PDP was attempting to shift focus through unrelated political arguments.
NC spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar also questioned the PDP’s conduct during the elections and accused the party leadership of attempting to deflect accountability. He dismissed Para’s remarks and maintained that people in Jammu and Kashmir deserved clear answers regarding the Rajya Sabha voting outcome.
Political Divide Deepens Ahead of Future Alliances
The exchange of statements has once again highlighted growing tensions between opposition parties in Jammu and Kashmir. Political observers believe the controversy could affect future cooperation among regional parties at a time when opposition unity remains an important factor in local politics.
While both parties continue to defend their respective positions, the Rajya Sabha voting episode has become another flashpoint in the evolving political landscape of the Union Territory.