Budgam witnesses BJP’s show of strength ahead of bypoll

Budgam, Nov 7: In a major show of political strength ahead of the Budgam Assembly by-election, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday organised a massive public rally in the heart of Budgam, drawing hundreds of supporters and signalling a strong push to expand the party’s base in central Kashmir.

The rally, marked by tricolour flags, spirited slogans, and enthusiastic participation, was seen as the BJP’s most visible campaign event in the region so far. Senior party leaders, including Ashok Koul, J&K BJP General Secretary (Organisation), former state president Ravinder Raina, General Secretary Anwar Khan, and the party’s candidate Aga Syed Mohsin, addressed the gathering.

Also present at the event were J&K BJP Secretaries Mudasir Wani and Arif Raja, Dr. Ali Mohammad Mir, District President Hakeem Ruhalla Gazi, DDC Member Er. Aijaz Hussain and other prominent functionaries.

Addressing the rally, Ashok Koul said Budgam was witnessing a “new political awakening” driven by the people’s desire for progress and accountability. “The people of Budgam are no longer willing to be swayed by old-style politics that thrived on promises but delivered nothing. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Jammu and Kashmir has entered a new era of development, and Budgam is ready to be part of this transformation by electing Aga Syed Mohsin,” he said.

Koul highlighted several central and state-level initiatives of the BJP government, citing improvements in connectivity, infrastructure, and social welfare. “The BJP stands for peace, development, and prosperity for all without discrimination. Our politics is about delivery, not deception,” he added.

Former BJP president Ravinder Raina described the large turnout as evidence of a “historic shift” in Budgam’s political landscape. “This massive response shows that people are embracing the BJP’s vision of justice, equality, and transparent governance. The politics of family rule and false promises is over. The youth, women, and marginalised sections now see the BJP as a genuine people’s movement,” Raina said.

He asserted that the development model of Prime Minister Modi had brought “new hope” to areas that had long been politically neglected. “BJP’s mission is to ensure lasting peace and prosperity across Jammu and Kashmir. The people of Budgam have a golden opportunity to be part of this journey,” he said.

BJP candidate Aga Syed Mohsin thanked the people for their overwhelming support, vowing to represent every section of society with honesty and commitment. “My goal is to serve every household of Budgam — Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs alike — with integrity and dedication. Together, we can make Budgam a model constituency for development, communal harmony, and opportunity,” he said.

Mohsin said his priorities, if elected, would include addressing unemployment, improving healthcare and education facilities, and ensuring that central and state welfare schemes reach every eligible family.

The rally concluded with a renewed call from BJP leaders for “change through development,” as the party seeks to make inroads in a constituency long considered a bastion of traditional Kashmiri politics.