Budgam

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah filed his nomination for the Budgam Assembly seat on Thursday, marking his second nomination after submitting his candidacy for Ganderbal. Abdullah emphasized that running for two seats demonstrates the National Conference’s strength rather than weakness. He noted the party’s positive momentum in regions like Baramulla, Anantnag, and Srinagar, and highlighted concerns over recent governance and corruption allegations which he believes will be thoroughly investigated.

Omar Abdullah also criticized the revocation of Article 370, stating that the decision has not been well-received by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He expressed confidence that the National Conference will benefit from a favorable political climate and anticipated success for his party and its allies.

In a related development, BJP’s Jammu and Kashmir chief, Ravinder Raina, also filed his nomination for the Nowshera Assembly constituency. Jammu and Kashmir’s elections, marking the first since the Article 370 revocation, will be held in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1. The Election Commission of India has prohibited the publication of exit polls from September 18 to October 5 to ensure fair elections.