Srinagar, May 23: The Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary constituency, spanning South Kashmir and the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch, is witnessing heightened security measures ahead of polls on May 25 amidst a keenly contested triangular battle between prominent candidates.
Security has been significantly ramped up in the region following a terrorist attack on an Indian Air Force convoy in Poonch on May 4 and twin terror strikes in South Kashmir last week. Additional companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed to ensure safety during the elections, with special attention given to securing polling stations and facilitating the safe movement of election staff and voters.
This election marks the first Lok Sabha polls for the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency since its boundaries were redefined as part of a broader redistricting exercise that altered the boundaries of five parliamentary seats in J&K.
For Mehbooba Mufti, a victory in her party’s traditional stronghold of Anantnag would reaffirm the PDP’s relevance in the region. Mian Altaf Ahmad, hailing from Ganderbal, brings a legacy of political influence and strong support among tribal communities, particularly in Rajouri. Zaffar Manhas, a prominent Pahari leader, is banking on the backing of the Pahari community and allies.
The Election Commission has established 2,338 polling stations for the constituency, with 2,116 located in rural areas. Significant security measures, including surveillance along the Line of Control (LoC) and enhanced deployment in the hinterlands of Rajouri and Poonch, are in place.
The constituency comprises 18.36 lakh voters, including 9,33,647 male voters, 9,02,902 female voters, 27 third-gender voters, 86,394 first-time voters, and 540 centenarians. Over 5,400 Voter Verified Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs), 6,888 Ballot Units, and 4,996 Control Units will be deployed, with 18 polling stations managed entirely by women and persons with disabilities (PwD), and webcasting from 1,775 stations.
In the recent phase, the Baramulla constituency recorded a remarkable 59% voter turnout, raising expectations for a high turnout in Anantnag-Rajouri as well. The outcome of this triangular contest will determine the political representation of the newly formed constituency and reflect the broader political dynamics in Jammu and Kashmir.
