Nagrota, Budgam byelections result today, security tightened

All eyes are on the result of the high-stakes Nagrota and Budgam byelections, which will be announced today. The polls in Nagrota witnessed a direct contest between the ruling National Conference (NC) and the BJP, which left no stone unturned to retain the seat. A similar scene prevails in Budgam in Kashmir, where the NC and PDP are locked in a direct contest.

BJP leader Devender Singh Rana, who had won from Nagrota last year, passed away in October, necessitating the by-election. The party fielded his daughter, Devyani Rana, who runs a local media house in Jammu.

Security arrangements have been strengthened in Jammu district for the counting of votes, with J&K Police and the CRPF deployed in strength across the constituency and nearby areas. Meanwhile, supporters of the contesting candidates — Devyani Rana (BJP), Shamim Begum (NC) and Harsh Dev Singh (J&K Panthers Party) — are keeping their fingers crossed.

Polling in both constituencies was held on Tuesday. Nagrota recorded a turnout of 75.08 per cent, while Budgam registered 50.02 per cent.

The Nagrota by-poll is being seen as a litmus test for both the BJP and the NC. While the NC-led government in the Union Territory restored the Darbar Move, a decision widely appreciated by the trading community of Jammu, the BJP focused its campaign on development issues. The saffron party had secured most seats in Jammu and adjoining districts during last year’s Assembly elections.

Senior BJP leaders camped in Nagrota for days to campaign for Devyani Rana. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, on the other hand, visited the constituency once. However, his campaign event was marred by a technical glitch in his microphone, prompting him to leave the stage midway, leaving organisers and the NC candidate embarrassed.

The Congress opted not to field a candidate, aiming to prevent a split in the opposition vote that could have benefited the BJP.