The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced a delay in the bye-elections for Jammu & Kashmir’s Budgam and Nagrota constituencies due to adverse snowy conditions. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar stated that while the schedule is not being announced immediately, there is still time to conduct the elections before the April 20 deadline.
The Budgam seat was vacated by Omar Abdullah on October 21, and the Nagrota seat became vacant following the death of Devinder Singh Rana on October 31. According to the Representation of Peoples Act-1951, bye-elections must be held within six months of a vacancy.
In Nagrota, the BJP is expected to nominate Devinder Singh Rana’s daughter, Devyani Rana, as their candidate. Meanwhile, the National Conference (NC) has yet to reveal its candidate for the Budgam seat, sparking interest among political observers and voters.
During the 2024 J&K elections, Omar Abdullah secured the Budgam seat with a significant lead over Muntazir Mehdi, son of separatist leader Agha Hassan, winning by more than 18,000 votes. In Nagrota, Devinder Singh Rana defeated Joginder Singh of the National Conference by 30,472 votes.
As the region awaits improved weather conditions, the political landscape remains dynamic, with parties preparing for the upcoming electoral contests.
