NC, PDP, BJP field members of the Shia clergy for J&K Assembly bypolls

The National Conference (NC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and BJP have fielded members of the Shia clergy as candidates in the Assembly by-polls held in Budgam in Jammu and Kashmir.

“NC has selected Agha Syed Mehmood as the party candidate in the Budgam Assembly elections. The party wishes him all the best for a successful campaign,” an NC spokesperson said.

Mr Mehmood is the son of Shiite cleric Syed Yousuf Al-Moosavi Al-Safavi, who founded the Anjuman-e-Sharie organisation.

PDP Agha named Syed Muntazir Mehdi. “He will file his candidacy tomorrow at 12pm,” a PDP spokesperson said.

Mr. Mahdi is the son of Shiite cleric Agha Syed Hasan, who was also a Hurriyat leader.

The BJP had already named him after Agha Syed Muhsin, the son of a Shiite cleric. “Mr Mohsin will be accompanied by Leader of Opposition and MLA Sunil Sharma and BJP State and district leaders on Monday, October 20,” a BJP spokesperson said.

For the first time, three candidates from the Shiite clergy are seen competing in the by-polls in Budgam, which has a large Shiite population. The seat became vacant after NC leader Omar Abdullah, who is contesting the 2024 Assembly elections from two constituencies, decided to retain his Ganderbal seat.

Budgam will go to the polls on November 11.