This is Not My Victory, It is Budgam’s : Aga Muntazir
360-Degree Development, Divyani Rana Outlines Empowering Vision for Nagrota After Victory
Suhail Khan
Srinagar, Nov 14: The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) secured a landmark victory in the Budgam assembly bypoll, ending a 53-year absence from the constituency and defeating the ruling National Conference (NC). In a concurrent by-election, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) consolidated its strength in the Jammu region by holding the Nagrota seat.
The results, declared on Friday, signify a significant political shift in central Kashmir. In Budgam, PDP candidate Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi triumphed over his rival, Aga Syed Mehmood of the NC, by a margin of 4,186 votes. The closely contested race featured 17 candidates, including from the Apni Party and the Awami Ittehad Party.
This victory marks the PDP’s first legislative representation from Budgam in over five decades.
Speaking Exclusively with Kashmir Convener, Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi stated, “The people have voted for change and accountability.” He committed to addressing what he described as years of neglect in the Budgam district, promising effective representation in the Assembly.
“I will leave no stone unturned to meet the expectations of the people,” Mehdi said. “This is not my victory; it is Budgam’s victory—a new beginning for development and change.”
He framed the win as a culmination of long-standing public sentiment, adding, “For the past 50 years, people have been waiting for the day when the voice of justice would rise in Budgam.” He pledged to dedicate resources to ensuring justice, development, and liberation from what he termed the “false promises” of the NC.
The PDP’s campaign gained traction amid visible internal discord within the NC. Senior NC leader and Srinagar MP, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, a former three-time MLA, publicly refused to campaign for the party’s candidate. He cited grievances including delays in implementing the Reservation Sub-Committee report, controversies over smart electricity meters, and the party’s perceived stance on statehood and Article 370.
Meanwhile, in the Nagrota constituency of Jammu, BJP candidate Devyani Rana won decisively, defeating Harsh Dev Singh of the Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) by over 21,000 votes. The NC candidate, Shamim Begum, finished a distant third.
Rana, the daughter of late MLA Devender Singh Rana, entered politics following her father’s death on October 31, 2024. Her victory ensures the BJP’s continued presence in the Jammu region.
Speaking exclusively to Kashmir Convener, Rana said, “My victory belongs to all the voters who cast their ballots in my favour and to the party leadership for the confidence they have shown in me.”
“We are deeply grateful for the warm welcome we received. Just as every household in Nagrota had blessed Rana Sahab in 2024, today the people have extended their blessings to us with the same love and support,” she stated, dedicating her win to her father’s legacy.
Outlining her agenda, Rana said, “I believe in a 360-degree view of development—inclusive, participatory, and empowering. My focus will be on strengthening villages, panchayats, and the entire constituency to ensure growth that benefits every section of society.”
The Budgam bypoll was necessitated after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who won both Budgam and Ganderbal in the 2024 Assembly elections, chose to represent Ganderbal. The Nagrota bypoll was held following the demise of sitting MLA Devender Singh Rana.
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