Budgam (Jammu and Kashmir): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday accompanied National Conference (NC) candidate Agha Syed Mehmood to the nomination filing for the Budgam Assembly by-election. Speaking to reporters outside the venue, Abdullah expressed full confidence in Mehmood’s prospects and assured voters that the party was committed to the development of the constituency.
Abdullah admitted that he never intended to contest the Budgam seat in the 2024 Assembly election. “I have never kept Budgam people in deceit. I was forced, even though I never wanted it. I left the seat but not the development of Budgam,” he said. Abdullah had won both the Ganderbal and Budgam constituencies comfortably in 2024 against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
NC fields Agha Mehmood
Omar Abdullah emphasised that the party had made a considered decision in selecting Agha Mehmood as its candidate. “Farooq Abdullah discussed with party members and decided that Agha Mehmood will be the National Conference’s candidate in this by-election. We had no rush. We have decided on the first day who will fight the election,” he said.
Agha Mehmood will face a tough contest against PDP candidate Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi. Additionally, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has fielded Deeba Khan from the constituency, making the bypoll a multi-cornered contest.
By-election schedule and other constituencies
The by-elections in Budgam are scheduled for November 11, with vote counting set for November 14. These by-elections are being conducted across eight assembly constituencies in seven states and Union Territories, including:
- Budgam and Nagrota districts (Jammu and Kashmir)
- Anta district (Rajasthan)
- Ghatshila district (Jharkhand)
- Jubilee Hills district (Telangana)
- Tarn Taran district (Punjab)
- Dampa district (Mizoram)
- Nuapada district (Odisha)
The by-elections are being held to fill vacancies caused by resignations, deaths, or disqualifications of sitting legislators.
Voting process and arrangements
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has confirmed that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems will be used at all polling stations. Adequate numbers of EVMs and VVPATs have been arranged to ensure a smooth, transparent, and efficient voting process.
Conclusion
With Omar Abdullah’s support and the backing of the National Conference, Agha Mehmood enters the Budgam by-election as a strong contender. The multi-party contest, including challenges from PDP and AAP, is expected to be closely watched by political analysts and voters alike. The by-election will serve as an important indicator of public sentiment in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of future Assembly elections.