Popular Fears Seem Gone In Srinagar All Set For Polls
The Draft News Network
In Srinagar, the parliamentary seat of Srinagar-Ganderbal is set for elections on 13 May 2024, marking the first polls in Jammu and Kashmir since the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019.
Srinagar is the initial constituency in the Valley to head to the polls, with a roster of around two dozen contenders. The primary competition revolves around three main candidates: Aga Ruhulla from the National Conference (NC), Waheed Para from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Ashraf Mir from the Apni Party.
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| There is a distinct sense of optimism in Srinagar now |
Interestingly, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has refrained from fielding candidates in Srinagar, as well as in the other two Valley LS seats, Baramulla and Anantnag-Rajouri. In the previous 2019 elections, NC's Farooq Abdullah emerged victorious in this seat, but he has opted out this time.
The turnout in 2019 was notably low, marking one of the lowest in recent elections, largely due to security concerns stemming from threats by militants and calls for boycott from separatist groups.
However, this time around, there seems to be a palpable absence of such fears. Campaigning has been relatively subdued but without the disturbances like stone-pelting or violence that marred the 2019 polls.
The turnout in 2019 was notably low, marking one of the lowest in recent elections, largely due to security concerns stemming from threats by militants and calls for boycott from separatist groups.
However, this time around, there seems to be a palpable absence of such fears. Campaigning has been relatively subdued but without the disturbances like stone-pelting or violence that marred the 2019 polls.
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| Popular fears no longer present in Srinagar |
The Jammu and Kashmir police have ensured adequate security measures for the candidates. Ashraf Mir from the Apni Party expressed optimism about a positive shift, expecting a significant voter turnout and expressing excitement about conducting road-shows.
Aga Ruhulla from the NC has been seen traversing the area in open vehicles, engaging with people in Srinagar and the neighbouring Ganderbal district. Waheed Para from the PDP has highlighted issues such as youth incarceration and the prevalence of drug addiction among children as key concerns in Kashmir.
