Asif Iqbal Naik
Budgam, J&K | October 20, 2025:
The contest for the 27-Budgam Assembly Constituency by-election reached a fever pitch today as major political parties — the National Conference (NC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) — filed nominations for their respective candidates. October 20 marked the last date for filing nominations for the by-poll, scheduled to be held on November 11.
The constituency is now bracing for a multi-cornered electoral battle, with a striking feature being that all three principal candidates hail from the influential Shia clergy community — setting the stage for a direct contest for the area’s dominant Shia vote.
Budgam: A National Conference Stronghold
Historically, Budgam has been a stronghold of the National Conference, with the party maintaining consistent electoral dominance in the region over decades. The constituency’s deep-rooted support for NC, especially among the Shia clerical community, makes retaining the seat a top priority for the party, while challengers are attempting to break into its traditional voter base.
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Candidates Who Filed Today
1. Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKNC)
•Candidate: Agha Syed Mehmood Al Mousavi
•Accompanied by: Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah
•Background: A senior NC leader and prominent member of the influential Aga family, Mr. Mehmood is the son of revered Shia cleric Syed Yousuf Al-Moosavi Al-Safavi, founder of the Anjuman-e-Sharie organization. Omar Abdullah, who vacated the seat after winning from both Budgam and Ganderbal in the 2024 elections, personally accompanied him — underscoring NC’s high-stakes commitment to retaining the seat.
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2. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
•Candidate: Aga Syed Mohsin
•Accompanied by: Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma and senior BJP state and district leaders
•Background: The BJP’s choice, Aga Syed Mohsin, is a calculated move — he too belongs to the Shia clergy and is the son of late Shia cleric Aga Syed Mustafa Moosavi. His nomination signals BJP’s attempt to make strategic inroads into the Kashmir Valley by supporting a candidate with deep local religious and social roots.
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3. Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (JKPDP)
•Candidate: Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi
•Background: An influential cleric himself and the son of Aga Syed Hassan, Mr. Mehdi formally submitted his nomination papers today. Having finished runner-up in the 2024 Assembly polls, he is considered a strong contender to reclaim lost ground for the PDP. His re-nomination reflects the party’s determination to wrest the seat in what is expected to be a tightly fought contest.
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Other Candidates
In addition to the candidates from major political parties, two independent candidates have also filed their nomination papers:
•Muntazir Mohi-ud-Din (Independent) – A local political activist seeking to offer an alternative to traditional party politics in Budgam.
•Jibran Dar (Independent) – Another young independent aspirant adding further diversity to the electoral field.
Their participation is expected to make the Budgam by-poll even more competitive, potentially splitting the traditional vote banks of the main parties.
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Key Political Context and Battle Lines
•Clerical Showdown:
With all three major candidates emerging from the Aga clerical lineage, the by-election has effectively turned into a contest for both political and religious influence within Budgam’s Shia heartland.
•NC’s Internal Challenge:
The National Conference faces an unexpected internal challenge following the decision of NC MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi to abstain from campaigning for the party candidate, expressing dissatisfaction over the NC-led government’s failure to deliver on key manifesto promises — including reservation reforms.
•BJP’s Calculated Gamble:
The BJP’s decision to field a locally rooted Shia cleric represents an ambitious bid to expand its political footprint in central Kashmir, traditionally dominated by regional parties.
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Reactions from Political Leaders
•Omar Abdullah (NC): “Budgam has always been a bastion of the National Conference. We are confident that our candidate, Agha Syed Mehmood Al Mousavi, will continue the party’s legacy of serving the people of this constituency.”
•Sunil Sharma (BJP LoP): “Aga Syed Mohsin represents a new vision for Budgam. Our party is committed to bringing development and inclusive governance to every corner of the Valley.”
•PDP Spokesperson: “Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi has consistently stood for the people of Budgam. We are determined to provide a strong alternative and ensure the voices of all communities are represented.”
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Election Timeline:
•Scrutiny of Nominations: October 22, 2025
•Last Date for Withdrawal: October 24, 2025
•Polling Date: November 11, 2025
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The Budgam by-election promises to be a fiercely contested multi-cornered battle, with religious, regional, and political stakes running high. Its outcome could significantly reshape the balance of power and alliance equations in the evolving political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
