In the ongoing fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, significant attention is drawn as it marks the region’s first major electoral event following the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to the erstwhile state. The Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency, comprising Srinagar, Ganderbal, Pulwama, parts of Budgam, and Shopian districts, witnessed the participation of 24 candidates amidst a voter base of 17.48 lakh individuals. The electoral process commenced at 7 am, aligning with the broader nationwide voting across 96 constituencies.
Following the restructuring post-Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated into two Union Territories, resulting in the absence of a separate Lok Sabha constituency for Ladakh. In Srinagar, voting is scheduled to conclude at 6 pm across the 2,135 polling stations, with stringent security measures in place.
The electoral competition primarily features the National Conference and the People’s Democratic Party, with notable candidates including Aga Ruhullah Mehdi and Waheed Para, respectively. Other significant contenders include Mohammad Ashraf Mir from the Apni Party and Amir Ahmad Bhat from the DPAP.
Notably, 26 special polling stations have been established for migrant voters of the Kashmir Division, distributed across Jammu, Delhi, and Udhampur District. However, concerns arise as Mehbooba Mufti, the chief of the People’s Democratic Party, raises allegations of harassment and illegal detention of her party workers. She has formally communicated these grievances to the Election Commission for redressal.
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