SRINAGAR: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has officially announced its candidates for the upcoming by-elections in Jammu and Kashmir, naming Devyani Rana for the Nagrota constituency and Aga Syed Mohsin for Budgam.
The Central Election Committee of the BJP approved both names following consultations at the party’s national level. The by-polls are scheduled to fill vacancies created by the demise and resignation of sitting legislators.
Devyani Rana, daughter of late Devinder Singh Rana a senior BJP leader and former MLA from Nagrota will contest from her father’s former constituency. Devinder Rana passed away in October 2024 after battling a prolonged illness. His daughter’s candidature is seen as an emotional and political continuation of his legacy, and BJP insiders suggest she enjoys strong grassroots support.
Meanwhile, Aga Syed Mohsin has been fielded from Budgam, a district with a significant Shia population. A local BJP leader from the Shia community, Mohsin has gradually built his political profile in central Kashmir and is expected to be a key figure in the party’s outreach in the region.
The Election Commission of India had earlier announced that the bye-polls for vacant seats, including Nagrota and Budgam, will be held on November 9. The last date for filing nominations is October 20, while scrutiny will be conducted on October 21. The deadline for withdrawal of nominations is October 23. Counting of votes will take place on November 12.
These elections are being closely watched as a litmus test for political sentiment in Jammu and Kashmir, especially after recent administrative and political developments. The BJP is aiming to strengthen its presence in the Union Territory, while the opposition parties are likely to consolidate their positions in these key constituencies.
