Budgam witnessed a political turning point as the PDP clinched the Assembly seat for the first time, breaking the National Conference’s uninterrupted hold over the constituency for more than fifty years. PDP’s Aga Muntazir defeated NC’s Aga Mahmood in a bypoll heavily influenced by public anger over the Omar Abdullah government’s unfulfilled promises.

The by-election was necessitated after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah vacated Budgam to retain his Ganderbal seat. Although a total of 17 candidates were in the fray, the contest remained firmly centred between the PDP and NC.

Speaking after his win, Aga Muntazir said the people had voted for “change and fairness,” adding that Budgam had long suffered from neglect and deserved genuine representation. Many voters echoed similar sentiments, poi

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