As voters in central Kashmir’s Budgam stepped out to cast their ballots in the high-stakes bypoll that will determine the fate of 17 candidates, the mood across polling stations reflected a striking blend of hope, frustration, and cautious optimism.
For many, the bypoll became an outlet to vent anger over unemployment, poor infrastructure, and unfulfilled promises that have spanned successive Governments. From inadequate drinking water and broken roads to erratic electricity and dysfunctional healthcare, voters said their daily hardships remain unchanged.
“We have no drinking water or playgrounds,” said Mohammad Yousuf from Ompora, proudly showing his inked finger. “We voted today hoping the promises of a university and a stadium will finally be fulfilled.”
In Bemina, dissatisfaction ran deeper. Abdul Rahman, waiting outside a booth, said, “We voted for the NC last time, and they never returned. No one visited our neighbourhood. We are tired of being ignored.”
Despite the disillusionment, several voters still placed their trust in the ruling National Conference (NC).
Ghulam Hassan, also from Bemina, said, “Our candidate has done good work before. With NC in power for the next four years, maybe this time development will reach us.”
Not everyone, however, was willing to give the ruling party another chance.
In Wahabpora, a middle-aged woman said she was shifting her support: “We have voted for the NC for years, but nothing improved. Now we will vote for PDP, hoping for better roads and healthcare.”
At another booth, 60-year-old Mohammad Isaq recalled past disappointments. “We voted for Omar Abdullah last time, and he left for Ganderbal. No development happened here. Still, I vote—it is my right. Maybe things will change.”
Eighty-year-old Ghulam Mohammad Hajam, leaning on a stick and supported by his son, offered a poignant reflection: “I have voted all my life. We still eat under candlelight, and we borrow water from neighbours’ bore wells. I still hope… maybe before I die, I will see real change.”
As polling concluded, voters across Budgam carried with them a mix of resentment and renewed hope—hoping their vote this time will finally bring the long-awaited transformation.
