By Raqif Makhdoomi

The streets of Budgam are alive again. From the narrow lanes of Charar to the open fields near Humhama, a familiar chorus rises each evening:“Zoun ho Zoun ho, PDP'an Zoun ho.”

The chant, once born of a mispronunciation, has become a declaration. Even as the autumn chill deepens, people stay out late, drawn by the thrill of rallies that stretch into the night.

The phrase itself has a curious history.

During the 2024 assembly campaign, People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti, unused to the Kashmiri accent, mistakenly said“Zoon ho” instead of“Zoun ho.” The slip went viral.

Now, a year later, it echoes across Budgam as both a slogan of hope and mockery, reshaped by the people as only Kashmiris can.

The last election left Budgam in an odd state, represented, yet forgotten.

When Omar Abdullah, the National Conference (NC) leader and current Chief Minister, contested from both Budgam and Ganderbal, he promised to retain whichever seat gave him a stronger mandate. Budgam did. But he chose Ganderbal.

To many, it felt like a betrayal. For a district that shares borders with Srinagar yet remains among the least developed in Kashmir, it was another reminder of its political neglect.

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