NVI Correspondent
Srinagar, Jan 07(NVI): The Election Commission of India (ECI) has decided to delay the announcement of bye-polls for the Budgam and Nagrota assembly constituencies in Jammu & Kashmir due to snowy conditions.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar stated that the ECI has time until April 20, 2025, to conduct the elections, as per the provisions of the Representation of Peoples Act, 1951.
The Budgam seat became vacant on October 21, 2024, following the resignation of Omar Abdullah, while the Nagrota seat was vacated on October 31 after the demise of BJP leader Devinder Singh Rana.
Speculation is growing over potential candidates for these key constituencies. While the BJP is expected to field Devinder Singh Rana’s daughter, Devyani Rana, for the Nagrota seat, the National Conference (NC) has yet to reveal its candidate for the Budgam seat, keeping political observers and voters intrigued.
In the 2024 J&K polls, Omar Abdullah won the Budgam seat by defeating Muntazir Mehdi, son of separatist leader Agha Hassan, with a margin of over 18,000 votes. Devinder Singh Rana secured the Nagrota seat by defeating Joginder Singh of the NC with a margin of 30,472 votes.
The bye-elections, whenever scheduled, are expected to be closely watched, with both constituencies carrying significant political weight in the J&K. ( News Vibes of India)
