BJP, NC women candidates lock horns for high-stakes Nagrota seat

As the National Conference (NC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) intensify efforts to secure another Assembly seat, the campaign for the upcoming Nagrota bypoll has gathered significant momentum. Both parties have fielded women candidates, making the contest a notable one in the region’s political landscape.

The NC has nominated Shamim Begum, a District Development Council (DDC) member, while the BJP has fielded Devyani Rana, daughter of former MLA Devender Singh Rana. The two parties, which recently clashed during the Rajya Sabha elections—where the NC won three seats and the BJP secured one—are now set for another political showdown.

The by-poll, scheduled for November 11, was necessitated following the death of Devender Singh Rana on October 31 last year.

Devyani Rana has been actively campaigning across the constituency, focusing on door-to-door interactions and public meetings. She is seeking to capitalise on her father’s goodwill and legacy, promising to carry forward his vision of a “progressive and prosperous Nagrota.”

Addressing gatherings in Kathar Upper, Kathar Lower, Krishanpur, and Bhatyari, Devyani reiterated her commitment to the agenda of development and inclusive growth. “The BJP stands for equitable opportunity and inclusive governance that uplifts all sections of society,” she said, adding, “My father dreamed of a thriving Nagrota, and I am determined to realise that dream with people’s support.” However, reports suggest internal discord within the BJP, with some leaders expressing discontent over the ticket allocation.

Meanwhile, NC candidate Shamim Begum is concentrating her efforts on mobilising the Muslim Gujjar community, which forms a significant portion of Nagrota’s electorate. The constituency has a mixed population of Gujjar and Rajput communities.

With only days left for filing nominations, Shamim has conducted several public meetings, often accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary. She is highlighting the Omar Abdullah-led government’s governance record and its “pro-Jammu initiatives.”

“Our party’s rank and file act as a vital bridge between the government and the people,” she said. “I have served the people diligently as a DDC member and appeal for their support based on my performance over the past five years.”

Adding another dimension to the contest, Panthers Party (India) leader and former minister Harsh Dev Singh has launched an aggressive hybrid campaign, combining ground-level outreach with social media engagement to connect with voters across the constituency.