Amidst the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, the 2024 Lok Sabha election unfolds a tale of twin upsets. Following former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s concession on the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat, another former Chief Minister and PDP President, Mehbooba Mufti, gracefully acknowledges her defeat on the Anantnag-Rajouri seat. The mounting lead of over 2.5 lakh votes by her rival, Mian Altaf of the NC, seals her fate.

In a reflective post on X, Mehbooba expresses gratitude towards her PDP workers and supporters, acknowledging the game of winning and losing as an integral part of the democratic process. She extends congratulations to Mian sahab for his victory, embodying the spirit of sportsmanship.

The latest figures released by the ECI reveal Mian Altaf’s commanding lead of over 4.78 lakh votes against Mehbooba, with Zafar Iqbal Manhas of the Apni Party trailing behind in the third position.

Anantnag-Rajouri, once represented by Hasnain Masoodi of the National Conference, witnesses a heated electoral battle between Mehbooba Mufti, Mian Altaf, and Zafar Iqbal Khan Manhas in 2024. The constituency, reshaped in 2022, now spans across diverse districts, symbolizing the varied aspirations of its constituents.

The electoral journey of Anantnag-Rajouri, encompassing both sides of the Pir Panjal range, faced a postponement from May 7 to May 25 due to adverse weather conditions, a testament to the region’s geographical challenges.

A canvas painted with political fervor, the constituency witnesses prominent figures like Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, and Ghulam Nabi Azad vying for public support. Mehbooba Mufti’s formidable challenge from Mian Altaf, an influential Gujjar leader, and Zafar Iqbal Khan Manhas, supported by the BJP, adds intensity to the electoral narrative.

The 2024 polls, with a registered voter count of 1,836,576, witness a turnout of 55.40%, highlighting the democratic enthusiasm of the region. In the preceding 2019 polls, Hasnain Masoodi’s victory marked a different chapter, showcasing the ever-changing political dynamics of Anantnag-Rajouri.