The nomination process for Budgam and Nagrota Assembly segments began on Monday with the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday issuing two separate notifications for them.According to the notifications issued by the poll-body , the ECI said that candidates can file their nomination papers until October 20 for 27-Budgam and 77 Nagrota.
The poll-body announced that scrutiny of nominations will take place on October 22, while the last date for withdrawal of candidature is October 24.The voting is scheduled for November 11, with counting set to take place on November 14.The Budgam seat fell vacant on October 21,2024 after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chose to retain Ganderbal constituency following his victory from both seats in 2024 Assembly elections. The Nagrota seat was vacated due to the demise of BJP MLA Devinder Singh Rana on October 31, 2024
As for the political battle, the by-elections for Budgam and Nagrota Assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir have turned into a high-stakes political battle for the ruling National Conference (NC) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The outcome of these contests could significantly influence the broader political landscape in the Union Territory.
There is a lot at stake for both the ruling NC and the opposition BJP in the November 11 by-elections to the two Assembly seats.
The Budgam seat holds particular significance for the ruling NC. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had contested from both Budgam and Ganderbal constituencies in last year’s Assembly elections. He won from both seats but retained Ganderbal, the traditional stronghold of the Abdullah family, and vacated Budgam.However, much has changed since last year’s polls and Omar’s assumption of office as Chief Minister.
Omar’s NC had contested the 2024 Assembly elections with promises of restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s political and legal status, repealing the Public Safety Act (PSA), introducing a job package for youth, providing 200 units of free electricity, and implementing a balanced reservation policy.
While Congress and other small parties have yet to disclose their cards on contesing bypolls, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said on Saturday that his party Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) will not contest the upcoming bypolls in Budgam and Nagrota Assembly seats.
Follow us
