On Monday, October 20, 2025, Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary declared that the ruling National Conference (NC) is set to contest the Nagrota and Budgam Assembly by-elections by championing crucial public issues, with the restoration of statehood to the Union Territory being their foremost concern.
Choudhary expressed strong confidence that voters in both constituencies would rally behind the NC candidates, thereby reinforcing the leadership of party president Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The NC has nominated District Development Council (DDC) member Shamim Begum for Nagrota and former Minister Agha Syed Mehmood for Budgam. These two seats are scheduled for by-elections on November 11, 2025.
The Nagrota seat became vacant following the passing of BJP legislator Devender Singh Rana on October 31, 2024. The Budgam seat also opened up after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chose to retain Ganderbal, a traditional stronghold for his family, having won both assembly seats.
Speaking to reporters at the NC headquarters in Jammu before accompanying Begum to file her nomination, the Deputy Chief Minister emphasized, “We will contest these elections on the issues affecting the people, and the restoration of statehood remains our paramount concern.” He also highlighted the recent reinstatement of the ‘Darbar Move’ practice, which he noted provides significant relief to the business community and others in Jammu. “This practice was halted by the BJP without consideration for the livelihoods of the people,” Choudhary stated.
Just recently, the government issued orders for the closure of Darbar Move offices in Srinagar, the summer capital, shortly after Chief Minister Abdullah announced the revival of this centuries-old tradition, first established by Dogra rulers in 1872.
According to the new directive, all government offices will re-open in Jammu, the winter capital, on November 3, 2025. The Darbar Move tradition had been discontinued by the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha-led administration in 2021.
Choudhary described the restoration of the Darbar Move as a monumental decision by the NC-led government. He explained that it would not only benefit shopkeepers in areas like Raghunath Bazar and Afsara Road but also revitalize an ancient tradition, fostering closer ties among the populace.
He further alleged that the BJP is expected to campaign on misleading narratives, aiming to divide people based on religion, creed, and caste. “The public is expected to vote for the ruling party’s candidates for comprehensive development. The 28 BJP legislators, for instance, were unable to provide any assistance to their constituents during the recent floods,” the Deputy CM asserted.
Choudhary concluded by stating, “We are determined to win both seats and put an end to the BJP’s arrogance.”
Minister Javed Rana echoed these sentiments, highlighting the National Conference’s strong grassroots support. “We are confident that the people will stand with the Abdullah-led Government to reclaim the erstwhile state’s lost glory,” Rana affirmed.
Subsequently, Shamim Begum, flanked by hundreds of enthusiastic supporters and the Deputy Chief Minister, officially submitted her nomination papers to the returning officer for the Nagrota bypoll.