After suffering defeat in Lok Sabha polls, Sajad Lone goes into ‘temporary retreat’

On Thursday, he wrote on microblogging site ‘X’, “I will be away for a few days. Taking a break to step back, pause and reflect.”

Mr. Lone fought the election from his home constituency Baramulla, securing 173,239 votes. The election was won by independent Engineer Sheikh Abdur Rashid after defeating his nearest rival former chief minister Omar Abdullah by a margin or over 2.04 lakh votes.

“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!”

“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. 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.