Mon Oct 20 13:43:53 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the article and a rewritten news piece:

Summary:

Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, announced that the ruling National Conference (NC) party will contest upcoming by-elections in Nagrota and Budgam, focusing on public issues, particularly the restoration of statehood to the Union Territory. The NC has nominated Shamim Begum for Nagrota and Agha Syed Mehmood for Budgam. Choudhary criticized the BJP, stating the NC government reinstated the “Darbar Move” to benefit local businesses, a practice the BJP previously ended. He expressed confidence in winning both seats, attributing past inaction to BJP legislators.

News Article:

National Conference Aims to Regain Statehood in J&K Bypolls

JAMMU, October 20, 2025 – The National Conference (NC) party is gearing up for crucial by-elections in Nagrota and Budgam Assembly constituencies of Jammu and Kashmir, promising to prioritize the restoration of statehood to the Union Territory if elected.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary announced the NC’s strategy today, stating the party will campaign on key public issues, with statehood being paramount. The party has nominated Shamim Begum, a District Development Council member, for the Nagrota seat and former Minister Agha Syed Mehmood for Budgam. The by-elections are scheduled for November 11, 2025.

“We will fight the elections on the issues being faced by the people, and restoration of statehood is the biggest issue for us,” Choudhary told reporters at the NC headquarters.

Choudhary also highlighted the NC-led government’s recent decision to reinstate the “Darbar Move,” a practice of shifting government offices between Srinagar and Jammu. He stated the decision was made to alleviate the problems of local businesses and revive tradition after the previous administration scrapped it in 2021.

The Deputy Chief Minister criticized the BJP, alleging they would resort to divisive tactics during the campaign. He also pointed to the purported ineffectiveness of BJP legislators in addressing public concerns during recent floods.

“We will win both the seats to end the arrogance of the BJP,” asserted Choudhary.

Minister Javed Rana echoed Choudhary’s confidence, stating the people will support the NC government to restore the region’s former glory.

Shamim Begum officially filed her nomination for the Nagrota bypoll earlier today, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Choudhary and a large contingent of supporters. The by-elections were triggered by the demise of BJP legislator Devender Singh Rana in Nagrota, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s decision to retain the Ganderbal seat after winning two assembly seats.

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