Srinagar, Oct 22 (PTI) Of 17 candidates whose nominations have been accepted for the bypoll in Budgam Assembly constituency, nine are crorepatis, three have criminal cases, while only eight have passed class 12.

Twenty candidates submitted their nominations for the November 11 bypoll, however, nominations of only 17, including seven independents, were accepted.

Of these 17, National Conference (NC) candidate Aga Syed Mehmood is the richest with total assets of more than Rs 15 crore.

A businessman and a former minister, Mehdi has disclosed having Rs 28.02 lakh in movable property and Rs 15 crore in immovable holdings, comprising agricultural, commercial, and residential properties in Budgam.

The 69-year-old also has liabilities of Rs 97.69 lakh, mainly loans against property.

He has re

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