As voting commences for the fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections, the spotlight falls on Srinagar, one of the key constituencies in the Kashmir Valley of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
This electoral battle marks a significant moment as it unfolds amid the backdrop of the region's altered political landscape following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
Srinagar, a bastion of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), has historically been a stronghold for the regional party, with notable figures like Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, and Begum Akbar Jehan Abdullah representing the seat in the past.
However, the political dynamics have evolved over time, with other parties making inroads into the constituency.
In this edition of the polls, Srinagar witnesses a three-cornered fight, with the JKNC, People's Democratic Party (PDP), and JK Apni Party (AP) vying for victory. The JKNC, led by former cabinet member and Shia cleric Aga Ruhullah, aims to retain its dominance in the region.
Ruhullah's campaign resonates with a strong message against the abrogation of Article 370, focusing on restoring the lost dignity of the people.
Challenging the JKNC's stronghold is the PDP, which has fielded Waheed Parra, the president of its youth wing.
Parra's campaign narrative revolves around his three-year incarceration after being arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in 2020, positioning him as a symbol of resistance against perceived injustices.
Adding to the electoral dynamics is the presence of the JK Apni Party, led by former education minister Altaf Bukhari, which has nominated Mohammad Ashraf Mir as its candidate.
Mir enjoys the backing of Sajad Lone's JK People's Conference (PC), further diversifying the electoral landscape.
Notably, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has refrained from fielding candidates in the Kashmir region for the first time in three decades, a move perceived by some as a strategic withdrawal in light of the altered political scenario post-Article 370.
With over 2,100 polling stations set up across the constituency, stringent security measures have been implemented to safeguard the electoral process.
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