Bloodiest election ever: Farooq Abdullah after winning Srinagar bypoll

Requests central government to impose President's rule in the state and call for fresh elections

National Conference President and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah won the bypoll to the Srinagar-Budgam parliamentary seat, beating his PDP rival Nazir Ahmad Khan by 10,557 votes. 

Farooq Abdullah thanked people who supported him. "This was the bloodiest election ever. Results show that people are in favour of NC (National Conference)," Abdullah said while speaking to media persons.

"I request Central government and President to dismiss the present government right away, Governor's rule to be imposed and elections to be conducted under Governor's rule," he added.

Farooq polled 47,926 votes while Khan polled 37,369 votes. NOTA (none of the above) were 714, election officials said.

A total of 89,865 votes were cast for the by-poll. The counting of votes began at 8 am. Voting was held on April 9, wherein only seven per cent voters turned out to exercise their franchise.

However, after the violence in which eight civilians were killed by security forces in clashes with protesters, a re-poll was ordered for April 13 at 38 polling stations in Budgam district, in which a mere two per cent voters turned out.

There were nine candidates in the fray, but the main battle was between former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah and Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP's) Nazir Ahmad Khan.

However, after the violence in which eight civilians were killed by security forces in clashes with protesters, a re-poll was ordered for April 13 at 38 polling stations in Budgam district, in which a mere 2 per cent voters turned out.

 

Farooq polled 47,926 votes while Khan polled 37,369 votes. NOTA (none of the above) were 714, election officials said.

A total of 89,865 votes were cast for the by-poll.