Three Agas, one battlefield: Budgam Braces for a Unique Political Contest
NC, PDP & BJP field candidates from the same influential family; Omar leads campaign for NC
Budgam: The Budgam by-election on November 11 has turned into a rare and interesting contest — a battle between three leaders from the same influential family known for its religious and social standing in central Kashmir.
The National Conference (NC) has fielded Aga Syed Mehmood, the PDP has nominated Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, and the BJP has chosen Aga Syed Mohsin. All three belong to the same spiritual lineage of Budgam’s Aga family but represent different political ideas.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is personally leading the NC campaign after vacating the Budgam seat earlier this year.
Speaking at a public meeting in Mirgund, Omar said, “Budgam has always been close to my heart. Though I now represent Ganderbal, I ensured equal development here. Projects worth Rs 110 crore were taken up in Budgam — from roads and transformers to solar lights and playgrounds.”
He urged people to vote for Aga Syed Mehmood, saying he would continue the same development work. “If Aga Mehmood is elected, works will happen wherever he points his finger,” Omar said.
Omar also reminded people that had the NC joined hands with the BJP in 2015, “Jammu and Kashmir would have got back its statehood long ago.” He added, “We are being punished for not allowing BJP to share power. But we chose dignity over convenience.”
The PDP candidate, Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, is focusing on youth and development. “People want a change. They are tired of old promises,” he said during a campaign stop in Beerwah.
Many young voters seem to agree. “We want someone who can talk about education, jobs, and future,” said Mubashir Hussain, a college student from Budgam town. “Aga Muntazir talks about employment and clean politics, and that’s what we want.”
The BJP’s candidate, Aga Syed Mohsin, is presenting the saffron party as a new alternative.
“We are not here to divide; we are here to develop,” Mohsin said at a rally in Magam. “Budgam deserves better roads, better power, and better governance — not politics of excuses.”
The BJP’s morale is high after its recent political success, where J&K BJP president Sat Sharma won a Rajya Sabha seat through cross-voting. BJP spokesman Altaf Thakur said Budgam is another opportunity for change. “That Rajya Sabha victory showed that people have faith in BJP’s vision. It’s time Budgam also gives us a chance,” he said.
Local residents, however, are taking a cautious view. “It’s strange to see three Agas fighting each other,” said Ghulam Nabi, a retired teacher from Ompora. “But maybe this competition will push them to work harder for people.”
A shopkeeper from Humhama, Shabir Ahmad, shared a practical concern: “We just want better roads and regular electricity. Whoever wins should remember the common man’s problems. We are done with speeches.”
Another local, Farhat Jabeen, who runs a small stationery shop near Chadoora, said, “We respect all three Agas, but respect doesn’t fill stomachs. We want action, not just words.”
As Budgam prepares to vote, the contest has turned into a blend of tradition and transformation — where family heritage meets modern political demands. Whether loyalty, faith, or performance will guide voters’ choice will be known when ballots are counted.
