People’s Conference president Sajad Lone, who lost the Lok Sabha election from north Kashmir’s Baramulla constituency, on Thursday said he is “taking a break to step back, pause and reflect.”
Independent candidate Abdul Rashid Sheikh, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, won the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat by defeating former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Sajad Lone with a huge margin.
The former separatist turned mainstream politician Lone took to social media and said the loss was a setback.
“I will be away for a few days. Taking a break to step back, pause and reflect. Winning and losing is part of life. A setback, Yes, but should it allow us to lose sight of our larger goal – the empowerment of our people, their dignity, development and making their voices heard – No!,” Lone posted on X.
He said elections were merely a vehicle towards this larger goal, never an end in itself.
“If at all this setback should invigorate us further, strengthen our commitment, conviction and resolve towards realising our collective goal. I would once again want to thank each one of my supporters who stood by me, believed in me and strengthened my convictions,” the People’s Conference Chief said.
“I am also indebted to our Pandit brothers. And also Sikh brothers for extending their support. They remain an integral part of our larger dream for a peaceful, prosperous and empowered Kashmir,” he added.
