Political Showdown in Jammu and Kashmir Bypolls
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has launched a sharp attack against ally Congress and opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accusing them of deliberately avoiding a direct contest with BJP in the upcoming Nagrota assembly bypoll. The National Conference (NC) leader asserted that his party remains the only political force actively challenging the saffron party across the Union Territory.
Campaign Intensity Rises Ahead of November 11 Vote
With bypolls scheduled for November 11 in both Nagrota and Budgam constituencies, political campaigning has intensified significantly. Omar Abdullah and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti have been actively addressing rallies and engaging with voters across the regions.
The Chief Minister made these allegations during a public meeting in Mirgund village of Budgam, where he directly questioned PDP's absence from the Nagrota electoral battle. "When PDP leaders come to you, you should ask them about their candidate from Nagrota. Tell them we are ready to vote for you in Budgam but first tell us the name of your candidate in Nagrota," Omar challenged.
Congress's Last-Minute Withdrawal
Omar Abdullah revealed surprising details about Congress's hesitation to contest the Nagrota seat. "We were ready to give Nagrota to Congress, but it took them four days to decide whether to contest or not. At midnight we got a call from Congress saying they will not contest, and we should field our candidate," the CM disclosed.
He emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that nominations were to close the next day, forcing NC to make an overnight decision and file papers by morning. "We did this because we wanted BJP to face a challenge in Nagrota. And now, they taunt us," Omar added, asserting that his party doesn't believe in "politics of deceit."
PDP's Counterattack and Governance Critique
Meanwhile, in neighboring Sholipora village, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti launched her own offensive against the ruling government. She reminded voters of NC's election promises from last year, including:
- 200 units of free electricity
- 10kg of ration per household
- One lakh jobs
- Rationalised reservation policy
"Last year, you gave NC and the Congress around 50 seats in the 90-member assembly. What has happened since then? Houses are being blasted, properties attached, raids carried out every day, and people arrested," Mehbooba claimed.
The PDP chief also accused Omar Abdullah of neglecting Budgam constituency after winning both Budgam and Ganderbal seats in the October 2024 assembly polls and choosing to retain Ganderbal. She further alleged that the CM rejected a PDP-framed assembly resolution seeking ownership rights for families living on state land for decades.
Background of the Bypolls
The bypolls became necessary under specific circumstances:
- Budgam fell vacant after Omar Abdullah won two seats and retained Ganderbal
- Nagrota required a bypoll after BJP MLA Davinder Singh Rana died within weeks of being elected
Mehbooba Mufti framed the Budgam contest as primarily between NC and PDP, describing other candidates as mere "vote-cutters." She warned voters that "if you again vote for NC, it will only embolden the chief minister and his party and they will feel what they have been doing for the past year is justified."
The political temperature continues to rise as November 11 approaches, with all major parties seeking to gain advantage in these crucial by-elections that could signal shifting political alignments in Jammu and Kashmir.
