Overview
- Speaking at the HT Leadership Summit in New Delhi, the Jammu and Kashmir chief minister blamed infighting and muddled decision-making for the Bihar loss, citing Nitish Kumar’s return to the NDA and JMM’s exclusion from seat talks.
- He contrasted the Opposition’s sporadic approach with the BJP’s 24x7 election machinery, saying the ruling party treats every contest as if it is essential.
- He rejected allegations of rigged electronic voting machines but warned of manipulation via voter lists and constituency redrawing, pointing to Jammu and Kashmir’s delimitation.
- He cautioned against stereotyping Kashmiris after recent attacks and said terrorism has not ended in the region.
- The BJP responded through spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla, who said the remarks confirmed INDIA’s failures and accused Congress of pushing out allies in Bihar.