In the imminent parliamentary elections post the annulment of Article 370, a significant populace of 17.48 lakh inhabitants within the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency shall determine the destiny of 24 aspirants vying for representation. Though the BJP refrains from competing in the Kashmiri Lok Sabha seats, it remains sanguine that the electoral process in the Valley will dismantle the hegemony of the National Conference and People’s Democratic Party.
Under the patronage of the India bloc, the National Conference nominates the esteemed Shia luminary and erstwhile minister, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, while the PDP selects its youthful leader, Waheed Para, as its nominee. While the Mehdi-Para confrontation is anticipated, contenders such as Apni Party’s Mohammad Ashraf Mir and DPAP’s Amir Ahmad Bhat, alongside 20 others including two female contestants, vie for victory.
The triumphant candidate will embark on their inaugural parliamentary term. The voter turnout within the reconfigured Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency, post the 2022 redistricting in Jammu and Kashmir, holds considerable intrigue owing to historically low polling rates in regions beset by separatist boycott calls.
To incentivize electoral participation, district electoral officers orchestrate multifarious outreach initiatives utilizing audio-visual, print media, as well as cultural events like street theater and sporting spectacles. Authorities affirm meticulous arrangements for Monday’s electoral proceedings.
A total of 17,47,810 electors are registered for Phase IV, comprising 8,75,938 males, 8,71,808 females, and 64 individuals identifying as the third gender. Notably, there are 11,682 individuals with disabilities and 705 centenarian voters.
A network of 2,135 polling stations spans Srinagar, Ganderbal, Pulwama, and segments of Budgam and Shopian districts for the polling exercise. Twenty-six dedicated polling stations cater to migrant voters from the Kashmir Division, with additional stations in Jammu, Delhi, and Udhampur District.
More than 8,500 polling personnel, including reserves, are slated for duty on polling day. Voting will transpire from 7 am to 6 pm, supervised by female personnel in 20 booths, specially-abled individuals in 18 booths, and youths in 17 booths. Moreover, 21 eco-friendly polling stations aim to foster environmental consciousness.
CCTV surveillance at all polling stations facilitates live webcasting to control centers established at district headquarters and the CEO’s office. Alternative communication measures, including satellite phones and runners, are arranged for stations in communication shadow zones.