The Budgam Defeat

The defeat of the NC candidate from the traditional seat of the Abdullah family, Budgam has surprised the public of J&K. The bye-election was held after the resignation of Umar Abdullah from the seat because in the last assembly elections, he contested from two constituencies and won from both later resigned from this seat sources say. This is the first time since 1977, the NC has lost the seat despite making a prestige issue of victory in the seat of the NC candidate by Umar Abdullah, the CM of J&K sources say. Generally in bye elections, the ruling party registers the victory but the defeat has reminded the incident of 2002 when Umar Abdullah was defeated on his own house turf Gadarbal seat source says.

The defeat has brought many issues to the fore, including annoyance of core voters of NC for the soft approach of the CM towards the central government and opposition of Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, NC member of parliament from Srinagar sources say. The softness towards the centre by Umar Abdullah is likely to haunt the CM in future also sources say.