JK By-poll: BJP’s Lotus Blooms in Nagrota, Devyani Rana Wins by 24,522 Votes

Srinagar: As soon as the counting of votes started in the by-elections of two important assembly seats of Jammu and Kashmir, Nagrota and Budgam, the BJP geared up. BJP's Devyani Rana registered a landslide victory in Nagrota, while PDP took the lead in Budgam. In Nagrota, BJP got 42,183 votes, which is 24,522 more than the JKNC-PPP alliance's Harsh Dev Singh (17,661). In Budgam, PDP is 5,300 votes behind NC's 6,821 votes. With a total turnout of 75.08%, these results are a mirror of the new politics of JK. 

What was the miracle of Devyani Rana?

In Nagrota, BJP's Devyani Rana defeated Harsh Dev Singh of JKNC-PPP. Till the 11th round, BJP got 42,183 votes, JKNC-PPP got 17,661 votes, and NC got 10,834 votes. The legacy of Devyani's father, Devendra Rana (former MLA) worked. Strengthened BJP's core vote bank in the Jammu region. 75.08% voting took place in the by-election. Out of 97,980 voters, 73,000 cast their votes. Counting took place in Polytechnic College under three-layer security.

PDP's lead in Budgam—a shock to NC?

In Budgam, the PDP candidate is leading by 6,821 votes over NC (5,300). Till the 5th round, PDP has received 6,821 votes, NC 5,300, and BJP 1,001 votes. Out of 126,025 voters, 63,000 voted, i.e., 50.02% turnout. PDP had dominance among 17 candidates. Special polling for Kashmiri Pandits in Udhampur: 11 postal votes came. Counting continued under CCTV surveillance at Boys Senior Secondary School.

Political meaning of JK by-elections—BJP wave, what about the NC-PDP alliance?

Nagrota has been a stronghold of BJP. Devyani's victory will give a boost to the party in Jammu. NC faces a challenge to PDP's lead in Budgam. Will the alliance break now? These results are from the first test after the removal of Article 370.  Counting continues under high security. Now it remains to be seen whether BJP will be strong in JK.