When Will the Bypolls for Budgam and Nagrota Assembly Seats in J&K Be Held?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Elections set for November 11 in J&K.
- Key nomination dates include October 20 and 22.
- Seats vacated due to MLA death and resignation.
- Polling hours are from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Political dynamics are shifting in the region.
Srinagar, Oct 13 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on Monday the schedule for bypolls to the Nagrota and Budgam Legislative Assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir, set for November 11.
These seats became vacant following the passing of the Nagrota MLA and the resignation of the Budgam MLA.
The ECI has designated October 20 for nominations, October 22 for the scrutiny of nomination papers, and October 24 as the final date for withdrawal of nominations.
Voting will take place on November 11, with the entire electoral process needing to conclude by November 16.
The polling hours are set from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Two seats in the 90-member J&K Legislative Assembly became vacant after the October 2024 elections. The Budgam seat was vacated when Omar Abdullah, vice president of the National Conference (NC), stepped down from this position after winning both the Budgam and Ganderbal seats.
Abdullah opted to retain the Ganderbal seat, relinquishing the Budgam seat. Meanwhile, the Nagrota seat became available due to the passing of BJP MLA Devender Singh Rana on October 31, 2024.
In the J&K Assembly, the NC secured 42 seats, the BJP 29, Congress 6, PDP 3, CPI(M) 1, AAP 1, AIP 1, PC 1, and 6 Independents.
Subsequently, the Independents allied with the NC, whereas Congress chose to provide external support to the NC government without joining it.