Central Kashmir’s Budgam district is witnessing an extraordinary political moment — a clash not just of parties, but of legacies. The upcoming November 11 by-poll has transformed this quiet region into a stage where faith, family, and fierce political loyalties converge.
Nomination day at the Budgam District Election Office turned into a spectacle of strength. The National Conference (NC) fielded veteran Shia leader Aga Syed Mehmood Al-Mousavi, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) backed Aga Syed Mohsin Mosvi, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) placed its trust in Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi — the same contender who once stood against Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
A total of 19 candidates have entered the fray, making this one of Budgam’s most contested elections in recent memory.
Among them are Nazir Ahmad Khan, Muntazir Mohiuddin, Parvez Ahmad Mir, Deeba Khan, and others representing the voice of a restless generation seeking change.
The Election Commission has set October 22 for the scrutiny of nominations and October 24 as the last date for withdrawal, with counting scheduled for November 14.
The NC rally, joined by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, displayed the party’s renewed vigor. BJP’s Syed Mohsin was accompanied by Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, and PDP’s Aga Mehdi arrived alongside Ghulam Nabi Lone (Hanjura) and Waheed-ur-Rehman Para — all signaling that Budgam’s battle is one of high stakes and higher emotions.
But what truly sets this election apart is the emotional undercurrent within the Aga family itself. After Aga Mehmood’s statement that Aga Ruhullah would likely campaign for him, Ruhullah took to X (formerly Twitter), clarifying his stance:
“My loyalty is to my conscience and principles.”
The words carried weight — echoing the divide between political duty and personal conviction.
Meanwhile, PDP’s Aga Mehdi took aim at both NC and BJP, calling out years of “empty promises” and “stalled governance.” He vowed to rebuild trust at the grassroots, asserting that Budgam’s people “deserve leaders who listen, not just leaders who speak.”
This by-election isn’t just about filling a seat. It’s a test of NC’s organizational unity, PDP’s relevance, and BJP’s inroads into central Kashmir. It’s also about the future of a constituency long bound by tradition but yearning for transformation.
Budgam, with over 1.26 lakh voters and 173 polling stations, sits quietly yet powerfully at the crossroads of Kashmir’s evolving democracy. The security grid calls it “sensitive but manageable,” while the people call it “a chance to be heard.”
As the campaign intensifies, one thing is certain — this isn’t just another election. It’s a contest of conviction, a test of legacy, and a reflection of the valley’s changing heartbeat.
Because, in Budgam, it’s not just Aga vs Aga vs Aga — it’s the past meeting the future on the same ballot.
