J&K Bypolls Deliver Split Verdict: PDP Wins Budgam, BJP Retains Nagrota
By: Javid Amin | 14 November 2025
The Jammu & Kashmir by-elections delivered a split verdict on Thursday, with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) winning the Budgam seat and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) securing a strong victory in Nagrota. The contrasting outcomes highlight the persistent political divide between the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu region.
PDP’s Aga Muntazir Wins Budgam
In Central Kashmir’s Budgam constituency, PDP candidate Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi emerged victorious with 21,576 votes, defeating National Conference (NC) candidate Aga Syed Mehmood by a margin of 4,478 votes.
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Turnout: Just over 50%
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Seat vacated by: NC vice president Omar Abdullah, who chose to retain Ganderbal
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Candidates in fray: 17
The result marks a significant morale boost for the PDP, which has been attempting to revive its organizational strength following electoral setbacks in recent years. The party leadership termed the win “a sign of public reconnect” after years of political turbulence.
BJP’s Devyani Rana Clinches Nagrota
In the Jammu region, BJP candidate Devyani Rana secured a decisive victory in Nagrota, polling 42,350 votes to defeat Harsh Dev Singh, president of the Jammu & Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP).
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Turnout: 75.08%, the highest among all bypoll constituencies
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Seat fell vacant after: The death of BJP MLA Devender Singh Rana, Devyani Rana’s father
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Candidates in fray: 10
The victory strengthens BJP’s foothold in Jammu at a time when the party faces heightened national scrutiny over cross-voting allegations in recent Rajya Sabha elections.
Split Verdict Reflects Regional Sentiment
The contrasting results underscore the deep-rooted political and emotional divergence between Kashmir and Jammu.
Key takeaways:
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Kashmir Valley: PDP’s win in Budgam suggests a potential grassroots revival and indicates voter dissatisfaction with the NC in a seat considered part of its core turf.
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Jammu Region: BJP’s comfortable win reinforces its regional dominance and narrative of stability and development.
Setback for NC
The NC’s loss in Budgam—formerly represented by Omar Abdullah—has raised questions about the party’s ground-level influence in Central Kashmir. Analysts suggest that local dynamics, candidate appeal, and voter fatigue may have contributed to the upset.
Political Implications Going Forward
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PDP gains renewed confidence in the Valley, helping the party’s outreach efforts.
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NC faces introspection over organizational gaps and candidate selection.
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BJP consolidates its Jammu base amid a broader national debate on its governance and alliances.
With Assembly polls expected in the coming year, the bypoll outcomes may shape narratives and alliances across Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape.
