NC Accuses Mehbooba Mufti of Rajya Sabha Cross-Voting, Issues Quran Challenge in Escalating Political Row
By: Javid Amin | 05 May 2026
A sharp and deeply symbolic political confrontation has erupted in Jammu and Kashmir, with the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (NC) accusing Mehbooba Mufti of secretly supporting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during last year’s Rajya Sabha elections.
The controversy escalated dramatically after NC spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq publicly challenged Mehbooba Mufti and her party legislators to swear on the Quran that they did not cross-vote—an unusual and emotionally charged demand in Kashmir’s political discourse.
The Allegation: Cross-Voting in Rajya Sabha Elections
At the center of the row lies the October 2025 Rajya Sabha elections from Jammu and Kashmir.
What Happened?
- NC, with a numerical advantage of 59 MLAs, was expected to secure all four seats.
- However, BJP candidate Sat Sharma won one seat with 32 votes—four more than the party’s legislative strength.
- The result triggered immediate speculation about cross-voting within opposition ranks.
NC now claims that the additional votes came from PDP legislators, alleging covert support for the BJP.
Tanvir Sadiq’s Charge: ‘Prove It on the Quran’
Tanvir Sadiq’s remarks marked a significant escalation:
- He accused Mehbooba Mufti of continuing a pattern of alignment with the BJP, dating back to the 2014 PDP-BJP coalition government.
- He demanded that Mehbooba and her three MLAs place their hands on the Quran and deny cross-voting.
- He further alleged that PDP has remained selectively silent on key issues like the Revocation of Article 370 and statehood restoration.
The use of a religious oath as a political challenge is rare and reflects the intensity of the credibility battle between the two parties.
RTI Angle: Missing Polling Agents Raises Questions
Adding another layer to the controversy are revelations from an RTI inquiry:
- PDP reportedly did not appoint authorized polling agents during the Rajya Sabha vote.
- In contrast, NC, BJP, and Congress had designated representatives to monitor the process.
NC argues that this absence created a loophole that enabled cross-voting, strengthening its allegation of PDP’s indirect support to the BJP.
However, it is important to note that no official confirmation of cross-voting has been established, and the claim remains politically contested.
PDP Pushback: Contradictions and Counter-Claims
The PDP has strongly rejected the allegations.
Iltija Mufti countered by pointing out an apparent inconsistency:
- She claimed that Farooq Abdullah had thanked PDP after the elections, contradicting the current accusations.
- She accused NC of changing its narrative for political convenience.
PDP’s broader defense frames the allegation as an attempt by NC to deflect criticism and consolidate its own political space.
Timeline: How the Controversy Unfolded
- 2014: PDP forms a coalition government with BJP—later used by NC to question PDP’s ideological consistency.
- Oct 2025: Rajya Sabha elections deliver a surprise BJP win, sparking cross-voting speculation.
- Post-Poll: Internal questions emerge within opposition ranks; Congress raises coordination concerns.
- RTI Findings: PDP’s lack of polling agents becomes a focal point.
- May 2026: NC publicly accuses Mehbooba Mufti, issuing the Quran challenge.
A Battle of Credibility: NC vs PDP
This controversy is not just about a single election—it reflects a deeper struggle between two regional rivals.
Competing Narratives
| Aspect | NC’s Position | PDP’s Response |
|---|---|---|
| Cross-Voting | PDP secretly backed BJP | Allegation is baseless, politically motivated |
| Political Legacy | PDP aligned with BJP since 2014 | NC is inconsistent and opportunistic |
| Public Messaging | NC as defender of identity | PDP as targeted opposition voice |
| Moral Framing | Quran challenge to test truth | Rejects religious symbolism in politics |
The introduction of a religious oath into political accountability has added a moral dimension, potentially influencing public perception beyond factual debate.
Implications: Trust Deficit Deepens in Opposition Camp
For PDP
- Revives scrutiny over its past alliance with BJP
- Risks damage to its credibility among core supporters
- Forces a stronger public defense
For NC
- Positions itself as the primary defender of Kashmiri political identity
- Attempts to consolidate opposition space
- Risks criticism for using religious symbolism in politics
For Opposition Unity
- Highlights fragile coordination among non-BJP parties
- Congress has already raised concerns about alignment and strategy
- Weakens prospects of a cohesive political front
The Larger Context: Narrative Politics in Kashmir
The controversy fits into a broader pattern in Kashmir’s political landscape:
- Identity vs Credibility battles are intensifying
- Past alliances are being used to question present positions
- Public discourse is increasingly shaped by symbolism and perception rather than just policy
The Rajya Sabha episode has become a political flashpoint, allowing parties to reframe narratives ahead of future electoral contests.
Conclusion: From Ballots to Belief—A Political Line Crossed?
The NC’s allegation of cross-voting—and the dramatic Quran challenge—has taken the political rivalry with PDP into uncharted territory.
While the factual question of cross-voting remains unresolved, the episode has already achieved one outcome:
it has deepened mistrust, sharpened narratives, and intensified the battle for political legitimacy in Jammu and Kashmir.
In the end, this is not just about who voted for whom—it is about who the public chooses to trust in a region where trust itself is the most contested currency.
