Srinagar, Nov 14 (JKNS): The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clinched a landmark win in Budgam on Friday, ending the National Conference’s decades-long electoral dominance in the constituency.
As per news agency JKNS, PDP candidate Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi won the bypoll by a margin of 4,496 votes, marking the party’s first victory from the central Kashmir seat.
The constituency had remained a traditional NC bastion for years, largely due to the influence of the Aga family, which shaped Budgam’s political landscape across multiple elections.
The by-election was necessitated after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah vacated the Budgam seat to retain Ganderbal. However, the NC campaign remained subdued this time, with senior party leader and MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi opting not to participate in canvassing.
Political observers said Ruhullah’s absence created a vacuum within the NC’s support base, allowing PDP to consolidate votes that historically remained out of reach.
The victory also strengthens the PDP’s presence in the Assembly. With this gain, the party’s tally rises from three to four MLAs, giving it additional weight on the legislative floor. (JKNS)
