In a significant political development, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather administered the oath of office to two newly elected MLAs in Jammu on Friday. The ceremony marked the formal induction of Aga Muntazir Mehdi from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Devyani Rana from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) into the Assembly.

Aga Muntazir Mehdi secured victory in the Budgam bypoll, defeating Agha Mehmood of the National Conference (NC), while BJP’s Devyani Rana successfully retained the Nagrota seat, overcoming Harsh Dev Singh, the candidate from the Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP).

With both seats now filled, the strength of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has increased to 90 members. The House composition currently stands with the National Conference (NC) holding 41 seats, the BJP with 29, followed by Congress with six. The PDP holds four seats, while the Peoples Conference, CPI(M), and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have one MLA each. Additionally, seven independent members are part of the Assembly.

These appointments are expected to bring renewed energy to the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, ahead of upcoming legislative activities.