Budgam bypolls: EC notice to PDP candidate for late-night campaigning

Ahead of this month’s bypoll in the Budgam Assembly constituency, election authorities have issued a show-cause notice to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by holding late-night political rallies and campaigns without requisite permission.

According to a notice issued by the Nodal Officer, Model Code of Conduct, Budgam, it has come to the office’s attention through multiple sources that Mehdi “organised and conducted political campaign activities, including rallies and processions, during late-night hours on November 1 and November 3, 2025.”

The notice further stated that several complaints had been received from other contesting candidates alleging that Mehdi had been conducting campaign events without obtaining the necessary approval from the competent authority.

It added that reports from Flying Squad Team (FST) magistrates confirmed that the PDP candidate had carried out political campaign activities during late-night hours without prior permission.

“The aforesaid acts and conduct on your part constitute clear and wilful violations of the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct, which are binding upon all political parties and candidates during the election period,” the notice said.

Responding to the notice, Mehdi addressed a press conference on Tuesday, saying that the alleged violation was unintentional. “While I was wrapping up the campaign, many elders, mothers, and sisters came out to express their love and affection. The entire area gathered when they saw me passing by, and that’s why we got a bit delayed,” Mehdi said.

He added, “We are fully aware of the Election Commission’s rules and regulations, and we are adhering to them.”