Srinagar, Nov 14 — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is inching closer to a decisive victory in the Budgam Assembly bypoll, with its candidate Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi extending his lead to nearly 5,000 votes after the completion of 12 out of 17 rounds of counting.
According to the latest Election Commission data, Muntazir has so far secured 18,873 votes, maintaining a comfortable lead of 4,923 votes over his nearest rival, Aga Syed Mahmood Al-Mosavi of the National Conference (NC), who has polled 13,950 votes.
Independent candidate Jibran Dar is in third place with 5,700 votes, trailing the PDP candidate by 13,173 votes.
The counting process began at 8 am at Government Higher Secondary School, Budgam, and will conclude after 17 rounds.
Seventeen candidates are contesting the bypoll, which recorded a voter turnout of 50.02% on November 11. The by-election was necessitated after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah vacated the Budgam seat, opting to retain his family stronghold, Ganderbal, following victories in both constituencies last year.
With just five rounds remaining and the PDP maintaining a strong lead, the party appears well-positioned to wrest the Budgam seat.
