Omar Abdullah Clarifies: “Never Wanted to Contest Two Seats” as He Backs NC’s Agha Mehmood in Budgam
“Left the Seat, Not the People”: Omar Abdullah’s Message as NC Fields Agha Mehmood for Budgam Bypoll
Srinagar, 20-10-2025: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday reaffirmed his party’s unity and strategic clarity as he accompanied National Conference candidate Agha Syed Mehmood to file his nomination papers for the Budgam Assembly by-election scheduled for November 11. Speaking to reporters after the nomination event, Omar Abdullah candidly admitted that he had never intended to contest from two constituencies in the 2024 Assembly elections but was compelled by circumstances. “I never wanted to contest from two seats, but circumstances led to that decision. I later vacated Budgam, but I have not vacated my commitment to its development,” he said, underlining his continued connection with the people of the region.
The Chief Minister expressed full faith in Agha Syed Mehmood’s candidacy, describing him as a dedicated leader who would continue the developmental vision laid down by the National Conference. “We hope Agha Mehmood will achieve a resounding victory. Dr. Farooq Abdullah, after consulting party members, decided that Agha Mehmood would represent the NC in Budgam. We were in no rush to choose; we took a thoughtful decision from day one,” Omar Abdullah noted.
The Budgam by-election, caused by Omar Abdullah vacating one of his two winning constituencies—Budgam and Ganderbal—has drawn attention as a closely watched political contest in central Kashmir. The National Conference candidate Agha Syed Mehmood will face PDP’s Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi and AAP’s Deeba Khan. The bypolls will test the strength of regional parties ahead of the evolving political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir.
Reiterating his consistent engagement with the constituency, Omar Abdullah said his government had not neglected Budgam’s development despite his resignation from the seat. “I have never deceived the people of Budgam. My decision was compelled by political necessity, not by choice, and my focus on Budgam’s growth remains steadfast,” he said.
The Election Commission of India has announced that bypolls in Budgam and Nagrota (Jammu) will be held alongside six other constituencies across India on November 11, with counting scheduled for November 14. All polling stations will use Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems to ensure transparency and fairness.
The Chief Minister also expressed confidence that the bypolls would serve as a democratic reaffirmation of people’s trust in the National Conference’s governance record. He said that his party was focused not only on electoral victories but also on sustaining political stability, public trust, and regional development across Jammu and Kashmir.
