SRINAGAR, Oct 19 : In a significant political development, the ruling National Conference (NC) on Sunday announced senior party leader Agha Syed Mehmood as its candidate for the Budgam Assembly bypoll, scheduled to be held on November 11.
The Budgam constituency, a key segment in central Kashmir, has historically been dominated by Shia leaders, making this contest particularly notable.
The Contest
The electoral battle is shaping up as a triangular contest among:
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Agha Syed Mehmood — National Conference
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Aga Syed Mohsin — Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
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Aga Muntazir Mehdi — Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
The NC, in its post on X (formerly Twitter), said:
“On the directions of the party leadership, JKNC has announced Agha Syed Mehmood as the party’s candidate for the upcoming Budgam Assembly election. The party extends best wishes to him for a successful campaign in service of the people of Budgam.”
Political Dynamics
Agha Syed Mehmood, a senior Shia leader, has been associated with the National Conference for years and is known for his strong grassroots connect in Budgam. His nomination underscores NC’s strategy to consolidate its traditional support base in the region, especially after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah vacated the Budgam seat to retain Ganderbal, which he also won in the last Assembly elections.
Opposition Moves
The PDP, in a statement on X, confirmed that its candidate Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi will file nomination papers on Monday at 12 PM, while the BJP’s candidate Aga Syed Mohsin is also scheduled to file papers the same day.
Both opposition parties are expected to mount an aggressive campaign, setting the stage for a closely contested poll between prominent Shia leaders from the three major political formations in Jammu and Kashmir.
Vacant Seats & Poll Schedule
Alongside Budgam, the Nagrota Assembly constituency will also go to polls on November 11. The seat became vacant following the death of BJP MLA Devinder Singh Rana last year.
Political Significance
The Budgam bypoll is being closely watched as a litmus test for all major political players ahead of the next full-scale Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. For the NC, the contest offers an opportunity to reaffirm its dominance in central Kashmir; for the PDP, a chance to regain lost ground; and for the BJP, an effort to expand its footprint in the Valley.
With prominent Shia leaders representing each major party, the bypoll has gained significant political and symbolic importance in the evolving political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
