Voting is a powerful tool, say voters
Srinagar May 13: Once known for poll boycott, the Srinagar Parliamentary constituency Monday witnessed a brisk voting with a turnout of around 40 percent, the highest since 1996. These figures are preliminary, pending final release by the Election Commission of India. Till 5 pm it was 36 percent.
The constituency, also known as the Central Kashmir Parliamentary seat, has 17.4 lakh electorates and spans parts of five districts: Srinagar, Budgam, Ganderbal, Shopian, and Pulwama.
In 2019, the voter turnout was a mere 13 percent. However, Monday’s election marked a significant increase. Historically influenced by separatists, the constituency typically witnessed widespread boycotts. Only in 1996 did it record a 40.9 percent turnout.
The polling booths saw long queues of enthusiastic voters, the first major election since the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019. Despite this, final figures were pending from the Election Commission of India at the time of reporting.
Compared to previous elections, there was a notable surge in voter turnout. Over 80 polling booths, which had seen no voting in 2019, recorded over 20 percent turnout in this election.
In areas like Downtown Srinagar, traditionally hotspots of separatist activity, voter turnout saw a remarkable increase. Many polling booths like Khanyar, Nowhatta, Habba Kadal, Eidgah, Batamaloo, and Maisuma, which had seen zero voting in 2019, recorded 20-25 percent turnout this time. Shops remained open, and traffic flowed normally.
Residents expressed their commitment to exercising their democratic rights. Mohammad Shafi, a Bemina resident, stated, “Voting is our democratic right, and we can choose leaders who represent us. It is a powerful tool.”
Former separatist leaders also participated in the voting process, urging others to do the same.
In Kakapora, Pulwama, which had previously boycotted polls, there was a 30 percent turnout. Residents emphasized their desire for peace and development, expressing support for local candidates and the restoration of statehood and assembly elections.
“Overall, the increased voter turnout signifies a shift towards greater participation and engagement in the democratic process in the region,” said Mohsin Khan, a resident of Budgam.
Chief Electoral Officer, Jammu and Kashmir P.K Pole said that the polling percentage remained at 36 percent till 5 P.M. which is highest since 1996.
“People voted in large numbers here. We are thankful to each and every person involved in making this democratic process a success,” said Pole while addressing media persons in Srinagar.
