Byelections for Budgam, Nagrota imminent, uphill task for NC, BJP in deciding candidates

Budgam again mired in community one up manship, NC in tricky situation….!

Jammu: Amidst hectic schedule in the ongoing Assembly session, political parties are not losing sight of their claims on the two crucial constituencies Budgam and Nagrota which are set for bypolls as and when decided by the Election Commission. Deeply mired in Shia –Sunni political dynamics, while NC once again faces uphill task to retain Budgam seat, for BJP registering smooth victory in Nagrota may not be so easy.
After Omar chose to retain his election result for Gandebal constituency-the traditional bastion of his party in a calculated political move, the battle ground for Budgam has once again become hot for the two communities of Shia and Sunni which lock horns everytime the polls are held in this segment. In what looks like a game of one upmanship to retain their clout, strong claims for mandate have only aggravated problems for ruling NC in the UT.
Observers say even though Omar registered victor very comfortably on this constituency in the recent Assembly polls, it may not be so easy for any other candidate from the Sunni community when bypolls are conducted. There is a strong clash of contention between Shia and Sunni community both in terms of grabbing mandate as well as emerging victorious on the community lines, suggest the analysts watching war of nerves in this constituency.
Even though Shias have less voter percentage but this community has always held political clout high in comparison making it Shia dominant constituency in terms of far high active political roles by the leaders in decades. Almost in all elections in the past, it is the Shia community which has voted in higher numbers, therefore becoming a deciding factor in outcome of results. In case of Omar as candidate, the community upon the directions of the sect leaders voted in his favour against the community candidate of PDP as rival.
However, the game has now become tricky for NC as Shia leaders are said to be in wanting position, seeking a mandate only for the Shia community member. Even the sitting MP Aga Rullha is said to have put his foot down in this context, asking for the same. Observers say it is crucial for the community to talk straight as it understands well that in order to retain the political clout, it cannot surrender or sit aside. What shape this battle takes place remains to be seen until election date is announced.
As for Nagrota constituency, BJP for obvious reasons would like to continue with stronger stakes but the choice of candidate is again a tough task for the leadership. While the political corridors are rife with speculations that a section of the leadership is suggesting giving the mandate to any member of late Devinder Rana, it all depends how his aggrieved family responds.

Updated On 11/6/2024 3:31:29 AM