NC has always treated Budgam as second-class citizens: PDP’s Aga Muntazir

Budgam, Nov 5: In a scathing attack on the National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party candidate from Budgam, Aga Muntazir Mehdi, accused the ruling party of decades-long neglect and marginalisation of the central Kashmir constituency, vowing to restore “dignity and development” to its people.

Speaking to GKTV, Aga Muntazir said Budgam has suffered systematic exclusion under successive NC regimes. “For decades, Budgam has been deliberately pushed to the margins,” he said. “The NC leadership has always treated our people as second-class citizens, depriving us of our rightful share in progress.”

The PDP leader went further, accusing the NC of “dehumanising” Budgam’s population and ignoring its proximity and potential.

“Budgam is the closest district to Srinagar, yet it remains the most neglected, and the reason is NC,” he charged. “They have ruled for decades. What have they done here? Everyone knows the answer.” While refraining from commenting directly on the role of NC’s Srinagar MP, Aga Muntazir cited past instances of “abandonment” by the party’s top brass.

“The classic case of dehumanisation was when then Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chose to turn away, shunning all responsibilities,” he said.

Calling the upcoming Budgam by-election a symbolic battle, Aga Muntazir framed it as a “people versus power” contest.

“This election isn’t just between PDP and NC,” he said. “It’s between the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the politics of neglect. The verdict from Budgam will shape the region’s political future.”

He said his campaign is anchored in a “manifesto of reconnection”, pledging to bridge the gap between governance and grassroots voices.

“We are fighting to reconnect the people with dignity, opportunity, and inclusive growth,” he asserted.