SRINAGAR: In a historic shift, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has captured the Budgam Assembly seat for the first time, ending the National Conference’s (NC) decades-long dominance in the central Kashmir constituency.
PDP candidate Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi won by 4,496 votes in the by-election, which was held after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah vacated the seat in favour of Ganderbal.
Though Budgam has traditionally remained under NC’s influence — largely due to the Aga family — the party’s campaign was notably weak this time. Senior leader and MP Aga Syed Ruhulla Mehdi, known for his strong personal base, stayed away from campaigning, a move analysts say split NC’s loyal vote and helped the PDP secure its breakthrough victory.
