Budgam by-poll to decide if National Conference still holds the ground in J&K

By Raqif Makhdoomi 
“Zoun ho Zoun ho, PDP’an Zoun ho” — the chant echoes through the streets of Budgam as election fever grips the district. Despite the dipping temperatures, people continue to gather at late-night rallies with enthusiasm. The slogan gained popularity during the 2024 assembly elections when People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti, while campaigning, inadvertently mispronounced it as “Zoon ho Zoon ho,” a moment that went viral and has since become a fixture in local political rallies.
After the 2024 elections, a video of a National Conference (NC) supporter dancing to “Zoun ho Zoun ho National’an Zoun ho” circulated widely on social media. However, a year into the NC-led government, many in Budgam express disappointment over unfulfilled promises. When questioned, NC legislators often respond that their government has a five-year mandate, but critics argue that a year has already passed without tangible progress.
Budgam, despite being one of the districts closest to Srinagar, continues to struggle with underdevelopment and inadequate infrastructure. Many residents feel deprived of basic amenities such as clean water, reliable roads, and essential services. In 2024, the electorate had hoped for a representative who would bridge these long-standing developmental gaps. Instead, they now feel politically unrepresented after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who won both Budgam and Ganderbal constituencies, chose to retain Ganderbal — a traditional NC stronghold — despite securing more votes in Budgam. This decision has been viewed by many locals as a betrayal, leaving Budgam “politically orphaned.”
As the 2025 by-elections approach, expectations are high that Budgam may finally elect a representative who can address these accumulated grievances. The political dynamics this time, however, appear markedly different. Notably, NC’s prominent leader and Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi — a multiple-time MLA from Budgam — has decided not to campaign for the party. Ruhullah has been openly critical of his party’s performance and has expressed disillusionment over unfulfilled promises, including commitments related to the restoration of rights and reservation policies.
Once seen as the face of NC’s integrity and grassroots connect, Ruhullah’s distance from the party’s campaign has sparked internal friction. His strong 2024 parliamentary victory, in which he defeated PDP’s Waheed Para by over one lakh votes, had been a major morale booster for NC. However, his recent criticism of the government’s inaction has reportedly strained relations with the party leadership.
On the ground, the PDP appears to be regaining momentum, with large gatherings at rallies led by Aga Syed Muntazir. The chants of “Ase chu Aga’as wadie kourmt, Ase chu Aga’e badshah banavun” (We have promised Aga that we will make him king) reflect growing public enthusiasm. Muntazir’s late-night speeches, invoking the party’s symbol “Kalam Dawat” (Pen and Inkpot), are drawing significant crowds and energy despite the cold weather.
For the NC, retaining Budgam is crucial — a victory would serve as proof that the government’s performance still enjoys public approval. For the PDP, winning the seat would signal a political comeback and expose dissatisfaction with the ruling party. Meanwhile, the Congress has stayed largely absent from the contest, declining to field a candidate despite being offered the Nagrota seat by NC and reaffirming that PDP remains part of the INDIA alliance.
As campaign intensity rises, Budgam’s electorate appears poised for a decisive moment. The district, long seen as an NC bastion, could witness a shift in political allegiance if public sentiment translates into votes. Whether the familiar red of the National Conference holds or the green of the PDP rises again will be determined only when the ballots are cast and the results declared.
For now, the slogan “Budgam’ich seat kass, Aga’ie sebus bie kass” — “Who will win Budgam? None other than Aga” — captures both the contest’s symbolism and its uncertainty. In Budgam, the competition remains within the family, but the verdict will belong to the people.
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Raqif Makhdoomi is a law student and human rights activist