NC's Farooq Abdullah wins Srinagar LS bypoll, demands imposition of Governor's rule in J&K

In a major setback for the BJP-PDP combine, National Conference stalwart Farooq Abdullah won the Srinagar Lok Sabha bypoll in Jammu and Kashmir, on Saturday.

Farooq Abdullah defeated PDP's Nazir Ahmad Khan by over 10,208 votes.

Speaking to media, Abdullah said, "I thank people who supported. This was the bloodiest election ever. Results show that people are in favour of NC."

"I request government of India and the President to dismiss present government right away and Governor's rule be imposed," he added.

At least nine candidates were in the fray for the seat which fell vacant following resignation of PDP leader Tariq Hameed Karra both from the Lower House of the Parliament and his party. 

Karra had resigned in protest against the "atrocities" on people during summer agitation last year in the wake of killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces on July 8.

A voter turnout of 7.13 percent was recorded in the re-polling that went on in 38 polling stations of the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat on Thursday.

The by-poll of Srinagar Parliamentary constituency were held on April 9, amidst multiple incidences of violence resulting in the killing of seven civilians and injuring many.

At least seven civilians were killed during clashes with the security forces in various areas of central Kashmir's Budgam district on April 9.

(With agency inputs)