Ilitija Mufti Claims PDP Has Broken NC’s ‘Citadel’ in Budgam; Calls Verdict a Message Against Arrogance

Budgam, Nov 14, KNT: PDP leader Ilitija Mufti on Friday said the party’s victory in the Budgam Assembly by-election reflects the sentiments of the people against the sitting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, asserting that the National Conference had “abandoned” the constituency after the 2024 elections.

Speaking to reporters shortly after PDP candidate Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi was declared successful, Ilitija Mufti said the verdict was a direct response from the people of Budgam to years of neglect by the ruling party. “PDP’s victory in Budgam is the sentiment of people against the sitting Chief Minister. NC never visited Budgam after the 2024 elections, and now the entire government machinery was here for campaigning,” she said.

Ilitija asserted that despite the heavy presence of senior NC leaders and the administration during the campaign, the people chose to side with the PDP. “It is our victory, and under the nose of the NC, we snatched their citadel. This is the message from the people of Budgam to the NC to shun arrogance,” she said.

The PDP leader added that the outcome was not just a routine electoral win but a political statement delivered by voters who, she said, felt ignored and sidelined over the past several decades. She maintained that the people had shown they would no longer tolerate disconnect or indifference from those in power.

Ilitija congratulated Aga Syed Muntazir on his victory and said the party remains committed to addressing public grievances and restoring trust between people and their elected representatives. [KNT]