Wed Oct 09 05:01:07 UTC 2024: ## Omar Abdullah Wins Both Ganderbal and Budgam Seats in J&K Assembly Elections

**Srinagar, India:** Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has secured a resounding victory in the recent assembly elections, winning both the Ganderbal and Budgam constituencies. Abdullah, the Vice President of the National Conference (NC), defeated his opponents with significant margins, demonstrating the party’s continued strength in these regions.

Abdullah’s victory in Ganderbal, a traditional stronghold of the NC, marks a return to the constituency he represented from 2009 to 2014. The seat has a historical significance for the Abdullah family, with his grandfather, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, winning it in 1977, followed by his father, Farooq Abdullah, winning it in 1983, 1987, and 1996.

The Budgam constituency also saw a fierce contest, with Abdullah facing off against Agha Syed Muntazir, son of prominent Shia leader and former Hurriyat figure Agha Syed Hassan. Abdullah’s campaign was supported by NC stalwart and three-time Budgam winner Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, a respected Shia leader with significant influence in the constituency.

The win in both constituencies represents a significant success for Omar Abdullah and the NC, marking a strong comeback for the party after the revocation of Article 370 in 2019. Abdullah had initially stated he wouldn’t contest elections until full statehood was restored to J&K, but later revised his position after the Election Commission announced the polling schedule.

“This is a victory for the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” said Abdullah, expressing his gratitude to the voters for their support. He urged all parties to respect the people’s mandate and work towards a peaceful and prosperous future for the region.

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