Srinagar 14 Nov: Budgam’s by-elections have been nothing short of a rollercoaster from day one. With 17 candidates contesting for a single seat, the political landscape remained tense, dramatic, and unpredictable.
In a significant shift, the constituency that overwhelmingly backed Omar Abdullah in the 2024 parliamentary elections delivered a tough fight this time ultimately paving the way for a historic victory for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). For the first time ever, Budgam will be represented by a PDP legislator, Agha Muntazir Mehdi.Political observers are debating whether recent contradictions and friction between the National Conference (NC) leadership and Agha Rahullah contributed to the party’s loss in this crucial constituency. The dynamics became even more interesting when celebrations erupted after Mehdi’s victory was announced, with supporters chanting, “Rahullah ka farmaan hai, Muntazir hamari jaan hai,” signaling Agha Rahullah’s indirect support for a candidate from a rival party.In a constituency long regarded as a fortress of the National Conference (NC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has clinched victory for the first time, with Agha Muntazir Mehdi emerging as the surprise winner among 17 contenders.Budgam, considered a committed NC cadre belt for decades with Congress managing a lone win in 1972 has witnessed a dramatic political shift. This time, the constituency that voted overwhelmingly for Omar Abdullah in the 2024 parliamentary elections swung in a different direction, raising questions about what triggered this transformation.
Speaking after the results, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah openly linked NC’s defeat to Agha Rahullah’s distancing from the party. In a sharp remark, Omar described Rahullah’s decision to step away as “self-damage” and “political suicide.”He added, “Rahullah killed himself just to give me a message, but remember, the person who has won from there will never let Rahullah rise again.”Just a year ago, Agha Rahullah stood beside Omar Abdullah as a loyal colleague, campaigner, and friend. But the dynamics have shifted dramatically. The visible contradictions between the two, and Rahullah’s disengagement from the NC campaign, have sparked debates over whether his absence gave PDP a decisive advantage.Celebrations erupted across Budgam when Agha Muntazir Mehdi’s victory was announced. Supporters raised slogans like “Rahullah ka farmaan hai, Muntazir hamari jaan hai,” hinting at Rahullah’s indirect support for a rival party candidate an unusual moment in the district’s political history.
Despite the emotional intensity, the polling and counting process remained smooth and peaceful.
