TDD Correspondent
Srinagar, (TDD): The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced a delay in the bye-polls for the Budgam and Nagrota assembly constituencies in Jammu & Kashmir, citing snowy conditions.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar confirmed that the elections would be conducted by April 20, 2025, in accordance with the Representation of Peoples Act, 1951, which mandates bye-elections within six months of a seat falling vacant.
The Budgam seat was vacated on October 21, 2024, following the resignation of Omar Abdullah, while the Nagrota seat became vacant on October 31 after the passing of BJP leader Devinder Singh Rana.
Political activity is heating up, with speculation about candidates for both constituencies. The BJP is reportedly preparing to field Devinder Singh Rana’s daughter, Devyani Rana, for the Nagrota seat, while the National Conference (NC) has yet to announce its candidate for Budgam, sparking widespread interest.
In the 2024 J&K assembly elections, Omar Abdullah won Budgam by defeating Muntazir Mehdi by over 18,000 votes, while Devinder Singh Rana retained Nagrota with a 30,472-vote margin over the NC’s Joginder Singh.
The upcoming bye-elections are expected to be closely contested and carry significant political implications for both constituencies.(TDD)
