Srinagar, Nov 14: In an unusual electoral trend in the Budgam Assembly bypoll, the None of the Above (NOTA) option has surged ahead of seven candidates after the completion of the eighth round of counting.

According to the latest figures from the counting centre, NOTA has secured 324 votes, placing it ahead of several contestants from both national and lesser-known political parties. NOTA currently stands at –11,399 behind the leading candidate, but its position ahead of multiple nominees has drawn significant attention.

Among the trailing candidates, Deeba Khan of the Aam Aadmi Party has polled 243 votes (–11,480), followed by Aditi Sharma, an Independent, with 205 votes (–11,518). Shabir Ahmad Ganie of the National Loktantrik Party has obtained 141 votes (–11,582), while Manzoor Ahmad

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