A total of thirty-three candidates, featuring thirteen independents and four women, have officially filed their nomination papers for the upcoming by-elections in the Budgam and Nagrota assembly constituencies of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). These crucial polls are scheduled to take place next month, according to election officials.
Monday, October 20, 2025, marked the final day for submitting nomination forms for these two assembly segments. With the polls set for November 11, the scrutiny of all submitted papers is slated for October 22, followed by the deadline for candidate withdrawals on October 24.
The eagerly awaited counting of votes will then commence on November 14, determining the new representatives.
The vacancy in the Budgam seat arose after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah opted to retain Ganderbal, a long-held family stronghold, having secured victory in both constituencies. Meanwhile, the by-election in Nagrota was triggered by the unfortunate passing of BJP legislator Devender Singh Rana on October 31 of the previous year.
For the Budgam constituency, officials confirmed that 20 candidates, including eight independents, have submitted their nominations. Prominent party contenders include former minister Aga Syed Mehmood Al-Mousvi from the National Conference, Aga Syed Mohsin Mosvi representing the BJP, and Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi for the PDP.
Other notable candidates in Budgam include Deeba Khan of the Aam Aadmi Party, independent candidate Aditi Sharma from Jammu, and Mukhtar Ahmad Dar from the Apni Party. The official list also mentioned the inclusion of several covering candidates.
In the Nagrota constituency, the BJP has put forward Devyani Rana, daughter of the late legislator, who faces stiff competition. Her challengers include Shamim Begum, a District Development Council member representing the National Conference, and Anil Sharma, a BJP rebel and president of the J&K Panchayat Conference, who is contesting as an independent.
Additionally, former minister Harsh Dev Singh, from the J&K National Panthers Party (India), is another significant candidate in Nagrota. The constituency also sees four other independent candidates and AAP leader Joginder Singh vying for the seat.