Jammu, Oct 15: A wave of celebration and nostalgia swept through Nagrota as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced Devyani Rana, daughter of the late party stalwart Devender Singh Rana, as its candidate for the upcoming Assembly bypoll. Surrounded by jubilant supporters, Devyani exuded confidence that the people of Nagrota would once again choose the BJP and reaffirm the trust her father had earned during his political journey.
The BJP on Wednesday announced its list of candidates for the bypolls across several states, fielding Devyani Rana from Nagrota and Aga Syed Mohsin from Budgam. The Nagrota seat fell vacant following the demise of Devender Singh Rana in October last year, while the Budgam by-election was triggered by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah vacating the seat to retain Ganderbal.
Speaking to reporters shortly after the announcement, Devyani said, “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president J.P. Nadda, and party leaders Sati Sharma, Tarun Chugh, and Ashok Koul for placing their trust in me. This is not just a political opportunity, it is an emotional responsibility to continue my father’s mission of development and service.”
Her words resonated with the hundreds of supporters who had gathered outside her Gandhi Nagar residence, waving party flags and dancing to the beat of dhols. Many described her nomination as a “continuation of the Rana legacy,” which has long defined Nagrota’s political landscape.
Devyani, who holds a degree in economics from the University of California and manages her family’s media and automobile businesses, emphasized that her focus would be on strengthening grassroots development and creating opportunities for youth and women. “Nagrota was, is, and will remain with the BJP,” she asserted with conviction. “I am determined to fulfill Rana Sahib’s dream of making Nagrota a model constituency, one that reflects the spirit of a developed India.”
Expressing admiration for the BJP’s focus on empowerment, Devyani said that the party’s ideology of “Seva, Samarpan, and Vikas” (service, dedication, and development) has inspired countless women and young leaders like herself. “The BJP is not just a political party; it is a family. We believe in action, not in rhetoric. We believe in working shoulder-to-shoulder with people to bring visible change,” she said.
Her candidacy, many observers note, symbolizes both continuity and generational renewal within the party. Devender Singh Rana, a prominent political figure in Jammu, had represented Nagrota with a strong record of development work and a deep connection with his constituents. His victory in the 2024 Assembly elections, defeating NC’s Joginder Singh by over 30,000 votes, reaffirmed Nagrota’s position as a BJP stronghold. His passing in October 2024, just days after the election results, had left an emotional void in the region.
With her entry into the electoral arena, Devyani is poised to channel that sentiment into political momentum. “The people of Nagrota will give their answer through the ballot. I have faith that they will bless me with overwhelming support,” she said.
Party insiders see Devyani’s candidature as a strategic choice blending emotional appeal, generational change, and continuity of local leadership. Her clean image, educational background, and entrepreneurial experience are expected to resonate with the constituency’s youth and urban voters, while her family’s deep roots in the area ensure support across rural belts.
Meanwhile, the bypoll in Budgam is expected to witness a direct contest between the National Conference (NC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), setting up two very different political battles in Jammu and Kashmir, one shaped by legacy and loyalty, the other by regional rivalry.
According to the Election Commission’s schedule, nominations for both Nagrota and Budgam bypolls will close on October 20, with scrutiny on October 22 and withdrawal of candidature allowed until October 24. Polling will take place on November 11, followed by counting on November 14.
For Devyani Rana, the election is more than a contest; it is a tribute to her father’s legacy and a test of her ability to translate sentiment into strategy. As she steps into the public arena for the first time, she embodies both the emotion of continuity and the energy of change, a combination the BJP hopes will keep Nagrota firmly in saffron.