SRINAGAR: The political scene in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam constituency continues to attract attention, fuelled by ongoing speculation about potential candidates for the upcoming by-elections. In recent weeks, rumours swirled that Nasir Aslam Wani, a senior National Conference (NC) leader and advisor to former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, might contest from the Budgam seat. However, these rumours have now been categorically dismissed.
A reliable source present at a recent National Conference meeting clarified, “There was no discussion about candidacy for the Budgam seat. The meeting focused entirely on addressing the pressing issues of the constituency and exploring ways to accelerate its development.”
The meeting reportedly centred on infrastructural projects and developmental issues in Budgam district. Highlights included updates on several key projects, including, Humhama-Budgam four lane road- phased completion of this vital road link, district hospital Budgam- construction of a CT scan building and plans to repurpose the old District Hospital as a maternity facility after the main hospital relocates to the new Reshipora site and power bills- rising electricity bills and their impact on residents were addressed, with assurances of swift action.
Additionally, seven new infrastructure projects under NABARD funding were announced to significantly enhance connectivity and quality of life in Budgam.
These initiatives aim to address longstanding infrastructure challenges and position Budgam as a model district in the region.
The political dimension of the meeting took centre stage after reports surfaced about Nasir Aslam Wani potentially contesting from Budgam in the upcoming by-elections. The seat became vacant after former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah retained the Ganderbal seat following his victory in both Budgam and Ganderbal during last year’s assembly elections.
Amid this speculation, Wani, along with Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary and MLA Chadoora Ali Mohammad Dar, visited Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi at his Budgam residence. The meeting holds political significance as Aga Ruhullah, a prominent NC leader and cleric, has reportedly had differences with the party in the past, particularly after leading a youth protest outside Omar Abdullah’s residence over a reservation policy row.
When asked about the purpose of the visit, Deputy Chief Minister Choudhary downplayed the political angle, saying, “We met Aga Ruhullah for a cup of tea at his residence. He is not just a political leader but also a respected religious cleric.”
During the meeting, Choudhary congratulated the people of Budgam on the establishment of a Vande Bharat train station, emphasising its potential to boost tourism in the region. “This development is a game-changer and will bring Budgam closer to becoming a key tourism hub,” he said.
While the National Conference has yet to announce its candidate for the Budgam by-elections, the meeting reaffirmed the party’s commitment to addressing the constituency’s development needs. For now, political observers remain focused on Budgam as speculation over the by-election candidate continues to swirl.
