Owais Gul
Srinagar, Oct 25 : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said the National Conference (NC) was “betrayed” in the Rajya Sabha elections and those involved are “known to all”.
Speaking to reporters, the CM, as reported by news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), termed the outcome as “unfortunate” but chose not to name those responsible, saying their identities are “now widely recognised”.
He thanked the members, especially Congress, and others for voting in favour of the NC candidates. “I am satisfied that at least not even a single vote from our party was wasted,” he said.
Omar said those who participated in meetings and enjoyed hospitality with the BJP should have openly declared their support for that party. “Like MLA Handwara (Sajad Gani Lone), who opted to abstain as he didn’t want to harm the BJP, these members too should have openly supported that party,” he said.
The CM said that leaders who won the Rajya Sabha elections will raise their concerns in Parliament about issues such as statehood and special status.
The Chief Minister was speaking to the media persons on the sidelines of the inauguration of Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood (Chrysanthemum Theme Garden) at the picturesque Botanical Garden in Srinagar, which marked a new milestone in the Valley’s tourism and floriculture landscape.
Developed at Rs 1.869 crore, the Chrysanthemum Theme Garden spans over 100 kanals and is envisioned as a major autumn attraction in Kashmir. With its vibrant blooms in shades of yellow, red, pink, and purple, the garden promises to bring new colour and charm to the Valley’s tourism calendar during the autumn months.
The Chief Minister cut the ceremonial ribbon and declared the garden open to the public, describing it as “a floral celebration that adds a new chapter to Kashmir’s tourism story”.
Abdullah commended the efforts of the Department of Floriculture, Parks and Gardens for its role in establishing the theme garden.
He said the initiative would “address the off-season gap in tourism and enhance the autumn experience for visitors”.
Omar recalled that he had laid the foundation stone of Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood in November last year, drawing parallels with the success of the Tulip Garden. “Just as the Tulip Garden transformed the spring tourist season, the Chrysanthemum Garden will redefine autumn tourism in Kashmir,” he said.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also inaugurated an exhibition featuring a wide range of ornamental, lavender, and other floral varieties cultivated by local growers with departmental support. He interacted with the floriculturists and appreciated the dedication and craftsmanship of the gardeners and field staff whose efforts brought the blooms to life—(KNO)
