NC to Fight Bypolls on People’s Issues, Restoration of Statehood Tops Agenda: Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary

• ‘People Will Vote for Development, Not Division’: Deputy CM Slams BJP Ahead of J&K Bypolls

Srinagar, 20-10-2025: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Monday reaffirmed that the National Conference (NC) will contest the upcoming Assembly by-elections in Nagrota and Budgam purely on public-centric issues, emphasizing that the restoration of statehood remains the party’s foremost commitment to the people. Addressing media persons at the NC headquarters before accompanying Nagrota candidate Shamim Begum for filing her nomination papers, Choudhary said the elections are not merely political contests but opportunities to reinforce trust between the government and the public.

“The National Conference will fight the bypolls on the genuine issues faced by the people. The restoration of statehood is our biggest priority, and we will continue to press for it until justice is done,” Choudhary said, asserting that the voters in both Budgam and Nagrota would deliver a strong mandate to strengthen the leadership of Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

The bypolls for the two seats, Budgam and Nagrota are scheduled for November 11, following vacancies created by the demise of BJP MLA Devender Singh Rana in Nagrota and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s decision to retain Ganderbal after winning both constituencies in the 2024 Assembly elections. The NC has fielded District Development Council (DDC) member Shamim Begum for Nagrota and former minister Agha Syed Mehmood for Budgam.

Highlighting the party’s recent decisions, Choudhary underscored the significance of reviving the historic Darbar Move, a tradition dating back to the Dogra rulers in 1872, that was discontinued in 2021 by the then administration. He credited the Omar Abdullah-led government for restoring the practice, saying it would revitalize Jammu’s business environment and reconnect the two regional capitals. “The restoration of the Darbar Move is a major step in reuniting the people of Jammu and Kashmir emotionally and economically. It will benefit everyone—from shopkeepers in Raghunath Bazar to traders in Afsara Road and revive a legacy that symbolized our unity,” Choudhary said.

He alleged that the BJP’s decision to scrap the Darbar Move had deeply hurt local businesses and fractured regional harmony. “They stopped it without considering its economic implications. We have reversed that decision because our government is for the people, not for headlines,” he added.

Taking sharp aim at the BJP, Choudhary accused it of relying on divisive politics and misleading narratives to distract from its failures. “The BJP will fight these elections by dividing people on the basis of religion and caste. But the people of Jammu and Kashmir have seen through their politics of hate. The 28 BJP MLAs did nothing for their constituencies during the recent floods. People know who stood with them when it mattered,” he said.

Choudhary expressed confidence that the NC’s candidates would secure decisive victories in both constituencies, describing them as battles to uphold public trust and restore administrative dignity. “We will win both Budgam and Nagrota to end the arrogance of the BJP. The people have faith in the leadership of Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and they will vote for peace, progress, and inclusivity,” he said.

Minister Javed Rana, who was also present at the event, echoed the Deputy CM’s sentiments, describing the National Conference as a cadre-based, people-driven movement rather than just a political party. “We are confident that the people will stand with us to bring back the lost glory of Jammu and Kashmir. Our strength lies in our roots, and our vision is guided by the welfare of every citizen,” Rana said.

Later, Shamim Begum, accompanied by a large gathering of supporters and senior NC leaders, filed her nomination papers before the Returning Officer for Nagrota. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm as party workers raised slogans in support of the NC leadership, signaling the beginning of a spirited campaign.