Divided by politics: Three 'Aga' candidates lock horns for Budgam bypoll

Budgam: The bypoll for the Budgam assembly constituency in central Kashmir has become a no-holds-barred and intensely personal political fight, with three heavyweight members of the politically powerful Shia community battling it out against each other.

The contest for the seat, vacated by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah after he chose to retain Ganderbal following the 2024 assembly polls, is between National Conference's (NC) Aga Syed Mehmood, Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, and BJP's Aga Syed Mohsin.

Mehmood, a former minister, dismissed criticism of the NC government's first year in power.

Demanding results of five years in 12 months is "unfair", especially given the complexities of a "dual power system" in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

"The dedication Omar Abdullah has shown is unparalleled and I believe no one else matches his efforts," Mehmood asserted, highlighting recent government decisions like the announcement of the Darbar move and the cabinet sub-committee report on reservation being sent to the lieutenant governor.

On the challenge from his relative and PDP candidate Mehdi, Mehmood said, "This is politics and in politics, even a son can fight against his father... Though we share a family bond, we belong to two different parties. Let both of us enjoy that freedom." On the absence of party MP Aga Ruhullah from the Budgam bypoll campaign, Mehmood said it "does not matter".

"He became MLA Budgam thrice and then went to Parliament. While he has benefited from the National Conference, the party's existence and strength go beyond any individual.

"National Conference is not a one-member party. It does not matter whether he does or does not campaign, people come and go," Mehmood said.

Ruhullah, a well-known critic of certain policies of the NC government, has declined to campaign for the party in the Budgam bypoll.

On Monday, the Srinagar MP took to social media right after Mehmood was nominated by the NC for the bypoll and said, "My loyalty is to my conscience and principles." "While I hold respect for my elders in my family, I request them not to belittle my fight (our fight). If they can't comprehend it and be part of it, at least don't drag me and my struggle to this level," he said in a post on X.

PDP's Mehdi is fighting the election not just on the development plank but also on what he calls the "abandonment of people by the National Conference".

He blamed Abdullah for betraying the people by leaving Budgam only a week after vowing to hold on to it in case he won with a huge majority.

"He continued the practice of employing the people of Budgam as a stepney, but people are going to put a full stop to this practice this time," Mehdi said.

The young candidate is focusing on local concerns like "poisoned" water, bad roads and healthcare.

While acknowledging his opponent Mehmood as his paternal grandfather, Mehdi insisted the contest is strictly issue-specific.

"The debate should be about how the National Conference has dehumanised the people of Budgam again and again," he said.

The result of the November 11 bypoll will be a "protest against the NC for making a U-turn on its poll promises", he said.

The third Aga in the running, BJP's Mohsin, is pinning his hopes on anti-incumbency against both NC and PDP.

"The National Conference has not succeeded. What have they done for Budgam till date? They ruled for 50 years... and the PDP has neglected Budgam since 2002," he said.

He said Jammu and Kashmir witnessed development during the BJP's decade-long rule at the Centre.

On Mohsin's agenda is youth empowerment, infrastructure development and establishment of industries.

"People don't care about Article 370 or statehood, they want development and jobs," he said, claiming that the BJP would win the bypoll.

So far, 20 candidates have submitted their nominations for the Budgam bypoll.

During the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections last year, 66,052 of the total 1,25,394 voters exercised their franchise.

Abdullah won from Budgam with 36,010 votes, followed by PDP's Mehdi at 17,525.