In an unprecedented show of civic participation, voters in Baramulla constituency surged to the polls yesterday, breaking records dating back over four decades. A remarkable 59% of eligible voters turned out across the constituency, marking a historic moment in the region’s electoral history.
The highly contested race featured prominent candidates including National Conference’s Omar Abdullah, Peoples Conference’s Sajjad Lone, and incarcerated AIP leader Abdul Rashid Sheikh, alias Engineer Rashid. Despite the challenges and tensions, voters queued up in large numbers outside polling stations, underscoring their commitment to shaping the future of their constituency.
The significance of this turnout becomes even more apparent when compared to historical data. The last time Baramulla witnessed such fervor was in 1984, when voter turnout peaked at 61.09%. Subsequent years saw a decline, with the lowest recorded turnout in 1996 at 46.65%.
CEO Pandurang Kondbharao Pole hailed this historic moment, emphasizing the peaceful conduct of elections despite sporadic incidents reported from the Pattan area. With meticulous monitoring, including CCTV surveillance at all 2,103 polling stations, authorities ensured a smooth voting process.
The Handwara assembly segment emerged as the frontrunner with a staggering 67.5% turnout, while Gurez witnessed the lowest participation. Notable figures, including AIP’s Abdul Rashid Sheikh and PC’s Sajad Gani Lone, cast their votes, expressing their commitment to addressing key issues facing the constituency.
Reflecting on the security situation, NC’s Omar Abdullah cautioned against complacency, citing recent terrorist attacks. He urged a realistic assessment of the region’s stability, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts towards peace.
Meanwhile, Sajjad Lone of the Peoples Conference pledged to tackle bureaucratic hurdles hindering the youth, promising to eliminate the culture of FIRs and police verifications if his party assumes power.
As Baramulla basks in the glow of this historic turnout, it serves as a beacon of hope for democracy, showcasing the unwavering spirit of its people in shaping a brighter future for generations to come.
