Omar Abdullah Defeated By Independent Candidate Contested From Jail

Hyderabad, June 4 (Hydnow): National Conference (NC) vice president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday conceded defeat to Independent candidate Sheikh Abdul Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, in the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency in North Kashmir. In a social media post, he said it was “time to accept the inevitable” as the voters have spoken.

“Congratulations to Engineer Rashid for his victory in North Kashmir. I don’t believe his victory will hasten his release from prison nor will the people of North Kashmir get the representation they have a right to, but the voters have spoken and in a democracy that’s all that matters,” he tweeted.

In a surprising turn, Omar Abdullah was defeated by an independent candidate who contested from Jail.

Despite his loss, Abdullah congratulated Sheikh on his victory in North Kashmir. “Congratulations to Engineer Rashid for his victory in North Kashmir.

Abdullah acknowledged the voters’ decision and emphasized its significance.

Abdul Rasheed secured 350,858 votes, surpassing Abdullah who garnered 191,124 votes. Abdullah’s defeat margin amounted to 159,734 votes.

The 57-year-old Rasheed, incarcerated in Tihar Jail for five years under the UAPA Act, emerged as an independent candidate this time. His two sons actively campaigned on his behalf. The elections occurred in Baramulla on May 20 during the fifth phase.”

The Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference candidate Sajad Lone was at a distant third with 1,07,863 votes. (Hydnow)

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