New Delhi: The Peoples Democratic Party recorded a historic breakthrough in Budgam by defeating the National Conference in a high profile by-election. This win ended the NC’s uninterrupted run on the seat since 1977. The PDP’s Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi secured 21,576 votes and won by a margin of 4,478 votes against NC candidate Aga Syed Mahmood Al Masovi. Shia voters play an important role in Budgam, which made the contest one of the most closely watched polls in central Kashmir.
Independent candidates Nazir Ahmed Khan and Muntazir Mohi ud Din outpaced the BJP’s Aga Syed Mohsin Mosvi, who received only 2,619 votes. The by-election was held after Omar Abdullah vacated the seat. In 2024, Omar Abdullah had secured a large victory in Budgam with 36,010 votes against the PDP’s Aga Muntazir Mehdi, who had received 17,525 votes at the time.
PDP leaders described the result as a revival for the party. With only three seats after its poor performance in the 2024 Assembly polls, the PDP treated Budgam as a turning point. Party president Mehbooba Mufti thanked the electorate and said the victory showed the trust placed in Aga Muntazir Mehdi. She said his office would remain open to the public.
The NC carried out an aggressive campaign led by Omar Abdullah and senior party leaders. They had framed the by-election as a test of public approval for the government’s first year. The defeat has raised new questions about the NC’s position in central Kashmir.
The PDP now holds four seats in the Assembly. The leadership plans to use this momentum to expand its presence as Kashmir’s political landscape continues to shift.
