2.23 Lakh Voters to Decide Fate of 27 Candidates in Nagrota and Budgam Bypolls

By: Javid Amin | 10 November 2025
As Jammu & Kashmir heads into a politically charged bypoll day, over 2.23 lakh voters across the Nagrota (Jammu region) and Budgam (Kashmir region) constituencies are set to decide the fate of 27 candidates contesting in what many see as a mini-referendum on regional party strength post the 2024 Assembly elections.

The bypolls, being held today under tight security arrangements, are significant not just for filling vacant seats but also for gauging public sentiment across two regions with distinct political dynamics.

Bypoll at a Glance

Constituency	Region	Registered Voters	Candidates	Key Contenders
Nagrota	Jammu	97,980	10	Devyani Rana (BJP), Shamima Begum (NC), Harsh Dev Singh (Panthers Party)
Budgam	Central Kashmir	1,26,000	17	Candidates from NC, PDP, Apni Party, and independents

Nagrota: BJP’s Stronghold Faces Renewed Challenge

The Nagrota constituency, located in the Jammu region, has traditionally been a BJP bastion. However, this bypoll introduces a new emotional dimension following the death of sitting MLA Devender Singh Rana in October 2024.

His daughter, Devyani Rana, is contesting as the BJP candidate, seeking to inherit her father’s legacy while appealing to younger voters. Her campaign has emphasized continuity in development, women’s empowerment, and infrastructure projects initiated by her late father.

Key Contenders in Nagrota

Devyani Rana (BJP) – banking on legacy and continuity
Shamima Begum (NC) – DDC member representing a rural outreach and welfare-driven campaign
Harsh Dev Singh (Panthers Party) – former education minister and vocal regional leader advocating Jammu-centric governance

Local Mood

Voters in Nagrota express mixed sentiments — while developmental continuity under the BJP appeals to many, others voice concern over unemployment and uneven regional focus. The Panthers Party is hoping to capitalize on this discontent, while the National Conference (NC) aims to test its Jammu foothold.

Budgam: Political Pulse of Central Kashmir

In contrast, Budgam’s bypoll carries heavy symbolic weight in central Kashmir, a region that has witnessed shifting alliances, evolving voter patterns, and increased political participation since the restoration of J&K’s statehood debate gained momentum.

With 17 candidates in the fray, the seat has drawn attention for its fragmented contest, featuring candidates from National Conference (NC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Jammu & Kashmir Apni Party, and independent aspirants.

Political Stakes

The National Conference, led by Omar Abdullah, views Budgam as an opportunity to reaffirm its central Kashmir dominance.
The PDP, once strong in the region, seeks a resurgence after its electoral setbacks in 2024.
The Apni Party is positioning itself as a development-first alternative, appealing to young voters tired of traditional party politics.

Security and Turnout

Given Budgam’s strategic location near Srinagar, authorities have deployed additional security personnel, set up monitoring drones, and established checkpoint coordination with district administration.
Early reports suggest steady voter turnout despite morning chill — signaling an increasing re-engagement of Kashmiris with the electoral process.

Why These Bypolls Matter

These elections are being widely viewed as a litmus test for major parties — the BJP and National Conference (NC) — and as a pulse-check on public opinion in the Union Territory.

The Nagrota bypoll will determine if BJP can retain its urban-rural blend of influence in the Jammu belt, while Budgam’s outcome will reveal whether NC and PDP can reassert control in Kashmir’s heartland amid rising competition from newer political forces.

Moreover, analysts believe the results will set the tone for the 2026 local body elections and influence future alliances in J&K politics.

“These bypolls may be limited in scale, but their symbolism is significant — they test emotional legacy, regional balance, and post-2024 political narratives,”
says a senior political observer from Jammu University.

Post-370 Political Dynamics

The Nagrota and Budgam contests also underscore J&K’s evolving post-Article 370 political fabric.

In Jammu, the BJP continues to project itself as the flag-bearer of integration and stability, focusing on infrastructure, tourism, and investment.
In Kashmir, regional parties are recalibrating their positions around governance, youth employment, and restoration of confidence in democratic processes.

The by-elections thus reflect more than just seat counts — they mirror how regional identity, governance models, and emotional politics coexist in a transitioning Jammu & Kashmir.

Polling Day & What Comes Next

Polling began early on November 11, 2025, with tight security, CCTV surveillance, and EVM transparency protocols in place.
Authorities reported peaceful polling conditions in both constituencies as of mid-day, with encouraging participation from first-time voters and women.

The counting of votes is scheduled later this week, and results are expected to offer:

A snapshot of regional power balance
Insights into voter turnout patterns post-2024
Indications of which narratives — development, identity, or governance — resonate most with the public

Key Contestants:

Devyani Rana (Bharatiya Janata Party – Nagrota)

Personal & Education Background

Daughter of the late Devender Singh Rana, former MLA of Nagrota who passed away in October 2024.
Niece of Union Minister Jitendra Singh.
Educational qualification: Graduate in Economics from the University of California.
Professionally, she is reported to manage her family’s media and automobile business interests.

Political Entry & Campaign Themes

The BJP nominated her for the Nagrota bypoll. Her candidature is framed as the continuation of her father’s legacy and development agenda in Nagrota.
She has emphasised inclusive, participatory development: “360-degree view of development … villages, panchayats, entire constituency” were part of her campaign talk.
She expressed confidence in retaining the seat for BJP, declaring “Nagrota will always remain with BJP”.

Declared Assets & Financial Profile

According to her election affidavit: movable assets of ~ ₹91.23 lakh, no immovable property in her name, annual income for 2024–25 of ~ ₹29.54 lakh (and ~ ₹33.26 lakh for 2023-24).
She holds shares in some private companies and bank deposits (J&K Bank ~ ₹88.89 lakh + HDFC Bank ~ ₹1 lakh).

Strengths & Challenges

Strengths: Legacy appeal via her father’s popular tenure in Nagrota; strong party organisation backing (BJP); young profile with higher education abroad, which might appeal to newer voters.
Challenges: Being a political newcomer; expectations to deliver quickly; facing competition from established regional party candidates; limited showing of immovable assets may reflect less rooted local property base (could be advantage or disadvantage depending on narrative).

Why She Matters
Her victory would reinforce BJP’s hold in Jammu region and its ability to pass on a legacy seat to a next generation. A loss or narrow win would raise questions about voter loyalty and the effectiveness of dynastic politics in the region.

Shamim Begum (Jammu & Kashmir National Conference – Nagrota)

Personal & Political Background

A sitting District Development Council (DDC) member from the Dansal block of Nagrota constituency.
Educational qualification: Postgraduate in Urdu from the University of Jammu.

Nomination & Party Strategy

NC announced her candidature for the Nagrota bypoll after the Congress decided to withdraw and support NC in the larger goal of defeating BJP.
Her campaign emphasises women’s empowerment, inclusion, leveraging the NC’s legacy of public service, and reinforcing local grassroots connection.

Declared Assets & Financial Profile

According to reports: modest financial holdings: her own income ~ ₹1.80 lakh, husband’s income ~ ₹7.68 lakh, cash declared only ~ ₹1.03 lakh. No land or major property listed. She holds ~27 tolas of gold (~ ₹35 lakh).

Strengths & Challenges

Strengths: Deep local roots via role in DDC; may appeal to voters seeking local representation rather than legacy/dynasty; NC backing and coordinated strategy with ally Congress.
Challenges: Relatively low financial assets may be interpreted as lack of personal influence or power base; facing BJP’s strong organizational advantage; competing against newer age/dynasty narratives might be tough.

Why She Matters
If she wins, it would signal NC’s capacity to reclaim territory in Jammu region (traditionally less strong than in Kashmir) and may boost the party’s cross-regional appeal. A defeat would be a setback to the NC’s attempt to diversify base beyond its Kashmir heartland.

Harsh Dev Singh (J&K National Panthers Party (India) – Nagrota)

Political Career & Background

Harsh Dev Singh is a veteran politician: former Minister of Education in J&K, ex-MLA for Ramnagar (1996-2014) and leader of the JKNPP.
According to latest bypoll coverage, he is contesting from Nagrota for the first time.

Education & Other Details

Qualification: Bachelor of Law (LLB) from University of Jammu; advanced course in International Humanitarian Law (Harvard/USA).
Age: around 65 years.

Declared Assets, Legal Profile & Campaign Themes

Declared assets: movable ~ ₹11.71 lakh; immovable ~ ₹44 lakh; his wife’s assets considerably higher (~ ₹1.60 crore). He also has 3 pending FIRs, which he calls politically motivated.
Campaign emphasis: “Choose merit over emotion” — criticises legacy/dynasty politics and positions himself as experienced and capable of delivering development and accountability.

Strengths & Challenges

Strengths: Long experience in regional politics; reputation as education minister may appeal to youth/university-educated voters; outsider to the legacy candidates may capture voters looking for alternative.
Challenges: Smaller party (JKNPP) relative to big players (BJP, NC); pending criminal cases could be a liability; may struggle to mobilize as large a machinery as BJP or NC; less of a local legacy in Nagrota compared to Devender Singh Rana’s family.

Why He Matters
He represents the regional alternative to the two mainstream options, and his performance may indicate whether smaller regional parties can make headway in Jammu region. A strong showing—even if he doesn’t win—could signal shifting voter mindset.

Agha Syed Mehmood (Jammu & Kashmir National Conference – Budgam)

Party: JKNC.
Constituency: Budgam (Central Kashmir).
Background & Significance:

Mehmood is described as a senior Shia leader from the region.
The Budgam seat was vacated by Omar Abdullah (CM) after the 2024 Assembly election, making this by-poll a key test for JKNC’s hold.
His selection signals that JKNC is relying on established local representation and cross-sectarian appeal in Budgam.

Campaign Focus & Challenges:

Strength: Legacy, strong recognition in the constituency, and ability to mobilize the traditional base.
Challenge: Voter sentiment may be looking for change; opposition (PDP, BJP) are making inroads.
The by-poll is framed as a “battle for the central Kashmir heartland” and a test of the JKNC government’s popularity.

Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi (Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party – Budgam)

Party: PDP.
Constituency: Budgam.
Background & Significance:

Mehdi is the PDP nominee, chosen to challenge the incumbent parties in a seat historically dominated by JKNC.
He represents the younger generation, positioning himself as an alternative to established political families and promoting fresh leadership.

Campaign Focus & Challenges:

Strength: Youth appeal, fresh narrative (“change, accountability, dignity” as per observers) in a constituency where voters may be open to new voices.
Challenge: Overcoming JKNC’s entrenched presence in Budgam, and strong competition both from JKNC and BJP.
His victory would signal a significant shift in central Kashmir politics; a defeat would mean reaffirmation of status-quo for JKNC.

Aga Syed Mohsin (Bharatiya Janata Party – Budgam)

Party: BJP.
Constituency: Budgam.
Background & Significance:

The BJP has fielded Aga Syed Mohsin in Budgam, indicating its strategy to expand beyond Jammu into the Shia-majority pockets of central Kashmir.
His candidacy is symbolic: BJP attempting to challenge regional parties’ dominance in Kashmir — even if odds long for the party in the Valley.

Campaign Focus & Challenges:

Strength: New entrant appeal in a constituency where BJP hasn’t been dominant; may attract voters looking for an alternative to regional parties.
Challenge: Overcoming local dynamics and strong alignment of voters with JKNC/PDP; building trust as a candidate from a party seen as outside the local power structure.
His performance could indicate how much BJP can penetrate the central Kashmir voter base.

⚠️ Important Notes

All information is based on publicly available reports and candidate affidavits (as reported in media).
For many of the 10 candidates in Nagrota (and 17+ candidates in Budgam) full detailed profiles are not yet in the public domain.
Always interpret asset/income declarations with context: they reflect what is declared in affidavits and may not encompass undeclared interests or liabilities.
Information such as exact asset declarations, criminal records, detailed personal profiles are not fully public for all candidates, so these are high-level overviews.
As many as 17–19 candidates are in the fray in Budgam, making it a multi-cornered contest. Kashmir POST
The by-poll is widely regarded as a referendum on government performance, especially for JKNC, since the seat was vacated by its current leader.

Bottom-Line: A Mini Mandate for J&K’s Political Future

While only two constituencies are at stake, the Nagrota and Budgam bypolls hold outsized political significance. They test the resilience of traditional parties, the appeal of new regional forces, and the trust of the electorate in the evolving democratic setup of Jammu & Kashmir.

As 2.23 lakh voters cast their ballots, both regions — Jammu and Kashmir — are once again at the intersection of continuity and change.

The results, beyond the numbers, will tell a larger story: Is J&K ready for a new political equilibrium — or does legacy still lead the way?