Overview

• National Conference named senior Shia leader and former minister Agha Syed Mehmood as its candidate for the Budgam assembly seat.
• The PDP fielded Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, who is slated to file nomination papers on Monday at noon, and the BJP named Aga Syed Mohsin.
• The multi-cornered race also includes AAP’s Deeba Khan, AIP’s Nazir Ahmad Khan, and several independents, though reporting expects the main fight between NC and PDP.
• The by-election is scheduled for November 11 as campaigning begins in the Shia-influenced constituency.
• The seat fell vacant after Omar Abdullah resigned Budgam to retain Ganderbal in 2024, and analysts cast the contest as a key popularity test with NC MP Aga Ruhullah declining to campaign.