Bye-Elections in J&K Delayed Due to Snowy Conditions: ECI

Srinagar, Jan 7: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has postponed the announcement of bye-election schedules for Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam and Nagrota constituencies, citing adverse snowy conditions. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar said the commission has until April 20 to conduct the polls, as mandated by the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

Addressing a press conference, as reported by Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the CEC stated that the harsh winter weather in the region necessitated the delay. The bye-elections are required following the resignation of Omar Abdullah from the Budgam seat on October 21 and the demise of Devinder Singh Rana, the Nagrota MLA, on October 31.

Section 151A of the Representation of the People Act mandates that any vacancy must be filled within six months of its occurrence, giving the ECI ample time to schedule the elections.

Political Buzz Around Candidates

Speculation is rife about the candidates for the two constituencies. The BJP is likely to nominate Devyani Rana, daughter of the late Devinder Singh Rana, for the Nagrota seat. However, the National Conference (NC) has remained tight-lipped about its candidate for the Budgam constituency, adding to the intrigue among political circles and voters.

Omar Abdullah, who vacated the Budgam seat, had won it in the 2024 elections by defeating Muntazir Mehdi, son of separatist leader Agha Hassan, with a margin exceeding 18,000 votes. Similarly, Devinder Singh Rana had secured a resounding victory in Nagrota, defeating the NC’s Joginder Singh by over 30,000 votes.

Electoral Landscape

The delay in announcing the bye-election schedule has not dampened the political fervor, as parties prepare for a highly anticipated electoral contest. The BJP is banking on a strong local connection with its potential candidate, while the NC’s strategy remains under wraps, keeping observers guessing.

As snowy conditions persist, the political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir continues to heat up with growing anticipation for the upcoming polls.