Budgam bypoll verdict crucial for NC, PDP standing in Valley
NC faces potential challenge due to senior leader MP Ruhullah's absence from party campaign: Experts
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As counting of votes for the Budgam byelection is set to take place on Friday, the result will be crucial not only for the ruling National Conference (NC) but also for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Voting for the Budgam Assembly constituency was held on Monday and recorded over 50 per cent turnout. The seat had fallen vacant after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who had won from both Budgam and Ganderbal in the last election, chose to retain the latter.
With the result to be announced on Friday, it will serve as an important indicator for both the NC and the Peoples Democratic Party.
Political experts in Srinagar said the outcome would reflect public sentiment towards the ruling party, which completed one year in office last month and has faced criticism for not meeting expectations.
A senior NC leader told The Tribune on Thursday that the party was confident of retaining the seat. “It is not like we haven’t done anything. Despite being a Union Territory setup, we have ensured relief for the public and taken several measures,” he said.
Budgam has long been regarded as an NC stronghold, with the party having represented the seat multiple times in the past.
However, this time the NC campaign took place without the involvement of Srinagar MP and senior party leader Syed Aga Ruhullah, who has represented the constituency thrice but chose to stay away. Ruhullah has emerged as one of the party’s sharpest critics, accusing the leadership and Chief Minister Abdullah of failing to fulfil poll promises.
According to political observers, the result could also shape Ruhullah’s own political future, as he continues to hold considerable influence in Budgam. For the NC, retaining the seat without his backing would be a symbolic victory — but one that Ruhullah “wouldn’t want,” they said.
Friday’s result is equally significant for the PDP. The party, which had bagged 28 seats in 2014, managed to win only three in last year’s Assembly elections.
During the campaign, the PDP leadership ran an energetic drive in Budgam, accusing the NC of “unfulfilled promises” and urging voters to back its candidate, Aga Syed Muntazir, as “the people’s voice in the Assembly.”
Party leaders said a victory would give the PDP a much-needed morale boost after last year’s setback.
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