Neck-and-Neck Battle Expected Between NC and PDP in Upcoming Budgam By-Polls

 

Budgam, October 14 (ANN News):

 

 

With the Election Commission of India announcing November 11 as the polling date for the much-anticipated Budgam and Nagrota by-elections, political activity across central Kashmir has intensified — particularly in the Budgam Assembly constituency, where a tight contest is shaping up between the National Conference (NC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

 

 

 

 

 

The Budgam seat fell vacant following the resignation of former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while the Nagrota constituency was left vacant after the demise of senior leader Devender Singh Rana. The ECI has fixed October 20 as the last date for filing nominations, October 22 for scrutiny of papers, and October 24 as the final date for withdrawal of nominations.

 

 

 

 

Political observers say that Budgam is witnessing an “intense two-way fight” between NC and PDP, with both parties deploying their senior leaders and grassroots workers in full swing to secure voter confidence. While NC is banking on its strong cadre base and the legacy of Omar Abdullah’s developmental works in the region, the PDP is hoping to capitalize on local discontent and emerging youth support, especially in rural belts.

 

 

 

 

Independent candidates and smaller regional outfits are also in the fray, but early indications suggest that they may struggle to make a significant impact amid the growing NC–PDP dominance.

Polling across both Budgam and Nagrota constituencies will take place from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM on November 11, and the entire election process will conclude before November 16, according to the Election Commission.

 

 

 

 

As the campaign heats up, all eyes remain on Budgam, where a neck-and-neck political showdown between NC and PDP is expected to determine not just the seat’s future, but also signal the shifting political mood in central Kashmir.