New Delhi, May 17: Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted the rise in voter turnout in the Srinagar constituency of Jammu and Kashmir, attributing it to the success of the abrogation of Article 370. Shah pointed out that the voter turnout has surged from a mere 14 percent in the past to nearly 40 percent, emphasizing that this is the most significant testament to the effectiveness of the decision.
“I want to address those who question the abrogation of Article 370,” Shah said in an exclusive interview with a news agency. “The increase in voter turnout from 14 percent to 40 percent in Srinagar is the clearest indication of the success of this decision.”
Shah noted that while there used to be widespread calls for election boycotts in the Kashmir Valley, this year saw even members of extremist groups participating in the democratic process. “All leaders of extremist groups voted. It doesn’t matter who they voted for—that’s their right. But the fact that they participated in the democratic process is significant. Previously, there were slogans urging people to boycott elections. Today, elections were conducted peacefully,” he said.
The Union Minister also highlighted the absence of violence during the polls in Srinagar. “Not a single baton was wielded. There were no instances of rigging. Voting proceeded calmly, with no violence from any political party. This indicates that change is evident,” Shah stated.
Additionally, Shah noted a significant increase in voter turnout among displaced Kashmiri Pandits. “For the first time, over 40 percent of displaced Kashmiri Pandits voted in the elections. Previously, the turnout never exceeded 3 percent. This demonstrates that people now have confidence in themselves and in democracy,” the senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader remarked.
The Srinagar constituency, which witnessed its first general election after the abrogation of Article 370, recorded a 37.99 percent voter turnout, according to the Information and PR Department of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. This marks the highest voter turnout in several decades. Historical data shows varying turnout rates in Srinagar: 40.94 percent in 1996, 30.06 percent in 1998, 11.93 percent in 1999, 18.57 percent in 2004, 25.55 percent in 2009, 25.86 percent in 2014, and 14.43 percent in 2019.
This significant rise in voter participation is a clear indication of the positive changes in the region post the abrogation of Article 370, Shah concluded.
