“Although healthier turnout, but lower than expected as analysts were predicting 60%, voting due to the absence of violence and the poll boycott campaign”
SRINAGAR: Breaking the jinx of boycott and violence, the Srinagar-Pulwama Lok Sabha constituency observed a significant voter turnout, marking one of the highest since 1989.
The Chief Electoral Officer of Jammu and Kashmir, P K Pole, reported a provisional polling percentage of 36.97% by 5.00 PM when the voting ended on Monday, with expectations to reach around 40% by the final count.
Although the turnout was healthier but lower than expected. Analysts were predicting the poll turn out to touch around 60%, as the current election in Srinagar was notably different as it did not face the usual calls for a poll boycott, which has historically plagued the region.
The constituency, encompassing areas like Pulwama, Shopian, Ganderbal, Budgam, and the city of Srinagar itself, has often been at the center of political and security challenges. In the Pulwama and Shopian districts, polling touched 39.25 percent and 45.04 percent marks.
Early morning saw enthusiastic voters queuing at polling stations across these districts, with people arriving even before the official start of voting at 7.00 AM. This proactive participation was a stark contrast to previous dismal voter turnouts.
In 2019, the voting percentage was a mere 14.43%, which sharply increased in this year’s polls. Historical data presented by Pole highlighted a gradual increase in participation from the 2004 elections, where the turnout was only 18.57%, illustrating a positive trend over the years despite ongoing challenges.
The highest turnout within the constituency was recorded in the Kangan assembly segment of Ganderbal district, where 55.55% of eligible voters had cast their votes by 5.00 PM. Even the downtown areas of Srinagar, which had seen no votes in many stations during the 2019 elections, witnessed a turnout of 25.68% in the Eidgah locality, previously a hub for poll boycott.
Habba Kadal in downtown Srinagar witnessed the lowest 13.25% turnout.
Special arrangements were in place to accommodate all voters, including the elderly and women, with all polling stations under CCTV surveillance to ensure a safe and transparent voting process.
The presence of over 8,500 civil employees and double that number of police and CRPF personnel ensured the smooth conduct of the polls over the past two days.
Pole also noted the proactive participation of youth and migrant voters, with 2 lakh registered young voters and 26 special polling stations set up for over 6,000 migrant voters. These efforts contributed to the overall peaceful and inclusive atmosphere of the polling process.
Regarding security measures, Pole assured that all necessary precautions were taken, especially with individuals who had criminal backgrounds or histories of anti-national activities. This led to incident-free polling across all stations.
Interestingly, the constituency also saw the lowest electronic voting machine (EVM) replacement rate at only 0.1%, signifying efficient and effective logistical management. In contrast, the Jammu area reported the highest replacement rate at 3%.
This election season in Srinagar was significant for several reasons. It was the first major election after the abrogation of Article 370, which had provided special status to the former state of Jammu and Kashmir. Moreover, this year marked the absence of any candidates from the influential Abdullah family, a notable shift from a decades-long tradition.
The key contest this time was between Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi of the National Conference and Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra of the PDP. While Mehdi is a respected Shia cleric and former cabinet minister, Parra has recently faced charges related to terror links, adding a layer of controversy and interest to the elections.
Despite the competitive landscape and the historical complexities associated with the Srinagar constituency, the increased voter turnout is a hopeful sign of normalcy and a robust democratic spirit prevailing in the region. As the final polling numbers are awaited, the officials and voters alike look forward to a conclusive and fair outcome, reflective of the people’s will.
This is the first time since 1998 that no member of the Abdullah family is contesting the Lok Sabha elections from Srinagar. The only loss the NC suffered on this seat was in the 2014 general elections.
Three generations of the Abdullah family led by the sitting MP Dr. Farooq Abdullah cast their vote early in the morning.
Farooq Abdullah, his son Omar Abdullah, and his two grandsons and first-time electors Zahir and Zamir cast their vote at the polling station at the Burn Hall School in Srinagar.
A senior PDP leader and former minister, Naeem Akhtar complained of a slow voting process at certain booths.
Reacting to these complaints, the chief electoral officer (CEO) of J&K said; “It is to clarify that the speed of EVM is the same everywhere. Polling staff is working diligently to facilitate all. Normally there used to be very less poll percentage and less number of voters in queues”.
The figures for previous years were shared as follows:
1989 –no election, NC candidate won unopposed
(With inputs from Mehroob Mushtaq, Numan Bhat, Syeda Sakeena and Suhaib Ibn Rafiq)
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