Budgam, Nov 11 (JKNS): As polling began at 7 a.m. amid biting morning cold, several pockets of Budgam especially Shia-majority belts witnessed voting driven not merely by political choice but by a blend of emotional loyalty, spiritual lineage, and growing frustration over unmet developmental promises.
Locals told news agency JKNS that the turnout in many neighbourhoods reflected what they described as “cult votes,” shaped by peer mureedi (spiritual allegiance) that continues to influence Budgam’s political behaviour. Many said the absence of National Conference MP Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi from active campaigning had created a vacuum, altering traditional voting patterns.
“Ruhullah sahib may not be here, but the bond of peer mureedi runs deep. People who earlier voted out of faith and respect rather than party lines didn’t turn up this time because he wasn’t present in the campaign,” said Ali Mehdi, a local resident, while speaking to JKNS.
Another voter, Bashir Hussain, echoed the sentiment, saying the emotional connection outweighed party manifestos. “Even in his absence, the connection between the Agha family and the people remains spiritual. Many are now turning their support towards Agha Muntazir,” he said.
In the main town, several voters described their participation as symbolic an expression of continuity. “Our vote carries meaning beyond politics. It’s about staying connected to the values our elders followed,” said Salman, a first-time voter.
However, development concerns emerged with equal force across multiple areas particularly in Ompora, where resentment against the National Conference was clearly visible.
One elderly voter, wishing anonymity, sat on the steps of a shop in Ompora and expressed his frustration. “What has NC done till now? Ruhullah promised us clean drinking water. We still buy water from the market using our own money. He told us we would get water within three months after forming the government, but 14 months have passed,” he told JKNS.
He praised the central government for delivering schemes directly benefiting the poor. “We received many schemes under Modi ji. He announced ₹5,000 for poor families and much more,” he said.
The elderly voter added that residents in Ompora voted largely for PDP today not out of political excitement, but out of anger at being neglected. “People here voted for PDP because NC abandoned us,” he remarked.
Observers on the ground noted that Budgam’s voting behaviour this time reflects a dual undercurrent deep-rooted emotional allegiance on one hand and development-driven frustration on the other. The absence of Ruhullah, they said, has intensified both sentiments, creating a rare mix of loyalty, disappointment, and a strong demand for change.
Meanwhile according to official data available with JKNS, Nagrota and Budgam constituencies registered strong polling figures in Tuesday’s bypolls, with Nagrota touching 74.63% turnout and Budgam concluding at 49.92%, official data revealed.
Nagrota Assembly Constituency (AC-77) registered a final turnout of 74.63%, indicating robust participation from voters throughout the day, data stated.
In Budgam Assembly Constituency (AC-27), the final voter turnout settled at 49.92%, with officials noting a steady inflow of voters despite cold weather conditions in several areas, it stated.
Polling authorities said voters continued to reach booths in good numbers, while security forces ensured smooth, peaceful and incident-free polling across both constituencies.
A total of 17 candidates are in the electoral fray, including National Conference’s Aga Syed Mehmood, PDP candidate Aga Syed Muntazir, BJP’s Aga Syed Mohsin, among others. (JKNS)
