Omar Abdullah's Budgam Gamble Backfires

A single decision by Omar Abdullah reshaped half a century of political certainty in central Kashmir.

- Dr. Ashraf Zainabi

Budgam has always seemed predictable in politics. For nearly fifty years, it stood as a loyal friend of the National Conference. Generations grew up calling it a “safe seat,” a fortress immune to change. That image shattered in November 2025.

The bypoll turned Budgam into a dramatic stage for the Aga against Aga contest.

‘Aga Muntazir of the Peoples Democratic Party, Aga Mehmood of the National Conference, and Aga Mohsin of the BJP all stood in the same constituency, representing three different political moods.

On the surface, it could be dismissed as coincidence, Below the surface, it was a loud message: Budgam had split. And this division was not accidental.

It traces back to a political choice Omar Abdullah made last year. He contested Budgam and Ganderbal and then chose to vacate Budgam, despite winning there with more votes. The way the decision was made, the timing, and the silence that followed left voters feeling abandoned.