Mon Oct 20 17:51:05 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the provided information and a news article rewrite:

Summary:

The article reports on the upcoming by-elections in the Budgam and Nagrota assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), India. The last day for nominations was October 20, 2025. A total of 33 candidates, including independents and women, are vying for the two seats. The Budgam seat became vacant after the Chief Minister retained another seat, while the Nagrota by-election was triggered by the death of its sitting legislator. Key candidates and parties are identified, highlighting competition and potential challenges in each constituency.

News Article:

J&K By-Elections See Strong Field of Candidates; Voting Set for November 11

Jammu, October 20, 2025 – Thirty-three candidates have officially entered the race for the upcoming by-elections in the Budgam and Nagrota assembly constituencies of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). The deadline for nominations passed today, October 20th, marking the beginning of a heated campaign leading up to the November 11th poll.

The Budgam seat became available after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chose to retain the Ganderbal seat following his victory in both constituencies. National Conference has nominated former minister Aga Syed Mehmood Al-Mousvi for Budgam. He faces competition from BJP’s Aga Syed Mohsin Mosvi, PDP’s Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, AAP’s Deeba Khan, and several independent candidates.

The Nagrota by-election was necessitated by the passing of BJP legislator Devender Singh Rana in late 2024. His daughter, Devyani Rana, is now the BJP candidate. However, she faces a strong challenge from National Conference candidate Shamim Begum and BJP rebel Anil Sharma, who is running as an independent. Former minister Harsh Dev Singh of J&K National Panthers Party (India) is also a contender.

Of the 33 candidates, 13 are independents, and four are women. Scrutiny of the nomination papers is scheduled for October 22nd, and the last date for withdrawal of candidatures is October 24th. The counting of votes will take place on November 14th, determining who will represent these two key constituencies in the J&K assembly.

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