Budgam, November 14: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Aga Syed Muntazir defeated National Conference (NC) rival Aga Syed Mehmood by 4,478 votes in the Budgam Assembly bypoll in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Friday.
The bypoll, held on Monday, recorded over 50% voter turnout. The seat had fallen vacant after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who won from both Budgam and Ganderbal in last year’s Assembly elections, chose to retain Ganderbal.
Observers noted that the absence of senior NC leader Syed Aga Ruhullah, a three-time representative of Budgam, may have influenced the result. Ruhullah, who did not participate in the campaign, has emerged as a vocal critic of NC leadership, accusing it of failing to deliver on poll promises.
“The public’s response suggests frustration with the ruling party,” said Srinagar-based Professor Noor Baba. “Several factors, including unmet expectations from last year, contributed to NC’s loss.”
The result is significant for the PDP, which had won only three seats in last year’s elections. Muntazir’s win raises the party’s tally in the Legislative Assembly to four and is seen as a morale boost after the previous year’s setbacks.
Celebrations among PDP supporters on Friday included slogans acknowledging Ruhullah’s contributions to the constituency, highlighting his continued influence on local voters.
