New Delhi: In a major blow to the NC, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah lost his Sonwar seat in the state’s assembly polls. Tweeting about the same, Omar Abdullah said, “Congratulations to Ashraf Mir for his victory in Sonwar. I wish him & the people all good luck for the next 6 years. He’s now my local MLA.”

Omar Abdullah has also contested from Budgam district. He was emerging as the lone hope for ruling National Conference in five seats of Budgam district of central Kashmir where PDP was leading in three seats while Independent candidate in one.

This seat was with PDP’s Shafi Ahmed Wani in 2008 election. He was also trailing in this election and stood at third position with 4726 votes.

In Budgam, PDP candidate Ghulam Mohiuddin Bhat was leading over the sitting National Conference MLA Aga Syed Ruhullah by 1541. BJP’s Mir Fayaz was way behind at 120.

Sitting opposition PDP MLA Javed Mustafa was leading over National Conference leader by 1116 votes in Chadoora.

Sitting Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather was facing a tough challenge from his PDP rival Ghulam Nabi Lone and was trailing by 1558 in Chrar-e-Sharief seat.

In Khan Saheb, sitting Independent MLA Hakimm Yaseen was maintaining a lead of 1260 over his National Conference rival Manzoor Ahmed Wani.