In a sharp rebuttal to Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference (JKPC) President Sajad Lone, who termed the recent Rajya Sabha election in Jammu and Kashmir a “fixed match” between the National Conference (NC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), former Chief Minister and NC Vice President Omar Abdullah has accused Lone of “playing a double role” and indirectly aiding the BJP.

Responding to Lone’s comments, Omar Abdullah questioned his moral authority to criticize the election process. Speaking to the media, Abdullah said,

“Why should someone who wasn't even willing to participate in the election initially comment on anything? First, he should explain what compelled him to help the BJP.”

He further added that if Lone truly wanted to stop what he called “match-fixing,” he should have at least exercised his vote.

“If he wanted to prevent match-fixing, he could at least have come and cast his vote. The people of Handwara didn't send him here to remain silent and play a double role. At least he should openly say whether he is with the BJP or not,” Abdullah asserted.

Abdullah also recalled his earlier warning that non-participation in the election would only benefit the BJP.

“When the election was announced, I said that those who don't participate or abstain are directly helping the BJP,” he remarked.

Sajad Lone’s accusation of a “fixed match” came after the NC candidate Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan was elected to the Rajya Sabha with support from alliance partners. Lone claimed the outcome was pre-decided, sparking a heated political exchange in Jammu and Kashmir’s political circles.