Budgam Votes for Change, New Leadership
Second election in less than a year sees serpentine queues of women, men alike
Budgam: Budgam Assembly constituency witnessed a strong voter turnout on Tuesday as people came out in large numbers to cast their votes, second time in less than a year.
Braving the cold and long queues, residents from Budgam town, Nasrullahpora, Ompora, Choon, Beerwah Road, and nearby villages stood patiently outside polling stations, calling this election one for “change and new leadership.”
The Budgam Assembly seat fell vacant after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah decided to retain Ganderbal, which he also won in the 2024 elections. The bypoll has turned into a three-cornered contest between NC’s veteran leader Aga Syed Mehmood, PDP’s Aga Syed Muntazir, and BJP’s Aga Syed Mohsin.
Despite the repetition of polls within a short span, enthusiasm was high across all age groups. Many voters said this election was about a fresh start and holding leaders accountable for promises made in the last polls.
“We have voted before, but this time people are more aware,” said Abdul Rashid, a government employee from Budgam town. “We want better development, better roads, and employment opportunities for our youth.”
At several polling stations, women voters outnumbered men, signaling growing political awareness among them. “I voted because I want to see change,” said Rafiqa Begum, a homemaker from Ompora. “We want our leaders to focus on basic needs like water, power, and education. This vote is for our children’s future.”
Polling officials confirmed that women formed a major part of the crowd through the day. “The enthusiasm was remarkable. Most of the women turned up early and waited patiently in queues,” said a polling officer at Nasrullahpora High School.
The polling day saw a festive yet disciplined mood. Many first-time voters could be seen clicking selfies after voting, proudly showing off their inked fingers. “I have grown up hearing about elections, but today I finally got to participate,” said Aqsa Farooq, a college student. “We, the youth, want new leadership that listens and delivers.”
In several areas, older voters too turned up to show their faith in democracy. “I have been voting for decades,” said Ghulam Nabi Dar, a 70-year-old from Choon. “Every time, I hope things will improve. Maybe this time, it really will.”
Observers say the contest in Budgam reflects the larger shift in voter mood across central Kashmir. “There is a visible change in the way people are thinking,” said a political analyst. “They are not voting blindly anymore. They are asking questions about performance, about roads, water, jobs, and governance.”
The high voter turnout in Budgam, despite it being the second election within a year, is being seen as a positive sign for democracy in Jammu and Kashmir. Security officials said polling passed off peacefully with no untoward incidents reported.
As polling ended at sunset, the long queues finally thinned out. Many voters stayed back near booths discussing their expectations from the next government. “We just want someone who works for people,” said Imtiyaz Ahmad from Budgam town. “Budgam deserves development and honest leadership.”
With voting over and the ballot boxes sealed, Budgam’s message was clear — the people have spoken once again, hoping that this time, their vote will truly bring change.
