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Srinagar, Oct 22 (IANS) Agha Syed Mahmood, the regional National Conference (NC) candidate from Budgam constituency for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly by-election, on Wednesday said the absence of NC MP Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi from the party’s election campaign will not affect his chances in the by-election.
Agha Syed Mahmood, a former minister and two-time NC MLA from Pattan and Beerwah assembly seats, has been nominated for the Budgam bypoll to be held on November 11.
The seat became vacant after Omar Abdullah resigned and decided to represent Ganderbal constituency in the 90-member Legislative Assembly.
In the 2024 assembly elections, Omar Abdullah had won both Budgam and Ganderbal seats.
NC candidate Agha Syed Mahmood on Wednesday said the absence of support from party MP Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi will not affect his performance in the assembly bypoll in Budgam.
Agha Syed Mahmood told reporters that the NC is bigger than any individual and has grassroots support in the entire constituency.
“NC made Ruhullah, Ruhullah did not make NC. He has supporters among his family and well-wishers, which is fine, but ultimately NC supporters will vote for the party,” he said.
The NC candidate stressed that the by-election was being fought in the name of the party and its legacy rather than personal influence.
He said no individual is contesting this election, it is the NC which is contesting the by-elections and asserted that the voters stand firmly with the party.
Expressing optimism about his prospects, Agha Mehmood admitted that the electoral battle in Budgam remains challenging. “I hope to win, although every election is a difficult process that tests one’s resolve.” He said.
Remember that Agha Syed Mahmood is a relative of Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi and both are from Budgam district.
Agha Mehmood had earlier said that Ruhullah would campaign for him, but Ruhullah made a lengthy comment following Agha Syed Mehmood’s statement in which he re-emphasised his decision to stay away from the NC election campaign.
Ruhullah had said that he respects his elders, but his loyalty is not to anyone else but to his conscience.
BJP has fielded Agha Syed Mohsin as its candidate for the Budgam by-election, while PDP has fielded Agha Syed Muntajir Mehdi and Mohiuddin Muntajir has filed nomination as an independent candidate.
–IANS
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