Srinagar, Nov. 15 -- Even though the ruling National Conference lost both the seats -Nagrota and Budgam- in the by-elections, the loss in Budgam, considered to be NC's bastion, is far more significant, especially after party's sweeping victory in 2024 assembly polls. This was NC's first defeat from the assembly constituency.

After the end of the 17th round of counting, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Aga Muntazir secured the Budgam seat by margin of 4,478 votes defeating NC candidate and his uncle Aga Mehmood.

In the last assembly election, Muntazir was the runner up with NC candidate and party vice-president Omar Abdullah securing a win.

The refusal of Srinagar MP and three-time assembly member from Budgam, Aga Ruhullah, ...