SRINAGAR: Defying militant dictates and separatist boycott call, 26.08 per cent voters cast their votes in Srinagar parliamentary constituency, spread over three central districts of Ganderbal, Badgam and Srinagar. This was one per cent more than 2009 poll percentage in the Lok Sabha polls.
The polling was held amidst unprecedented security arrangements as fear and uncertainty prevailed following boycott and general strike call given by separatist organisations in the valley.
Ganderbal district, which also witnessed bursting of teargas shells, lathicharge and stone pelting, recorded highest 45.62 per cent polling while Badgam district recorded 39.05 percentage votes.
However, the summer capital, Srinagar witnessed lowest 11.46 per cent votes.
Officials said polling, which began at 0700 hrs in all polling stations, set up in the constituency, spread over three central districts of Badgam, Ganderbal and Srinagar will end at 1700 hrs.
Thousands of Central Paramilitary force and State police personnel, wearing bullet proof jackets and holding automatic weapons, have been around the polling stations and nearby areas to instill confidence among the voters to exercise their democratic right.
Though there are 14 candidates in the fray, but the main contest will be between National Conference (NC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah, seeking re-election, and opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Tariq Hamid Kara in the constituency.
Since 1996, when the first election was held in the Kashmir after eruption of militancy, Srinagar district always witnessed very low voting percentage as compared to two other districts of Badgam and Ganderbal of Srinagar Parliamentary constituency.
This time political observers have apprehension that voting percentage will drop further because of the drop in the polling percentage in Anantnag constituency, which went to polls on April 24.
The authorities have set up 1546 polling stations for 1171772 polling booths across the constituency. However, barring 55, all polling stations are hyper sensitive or sensitive.
Electioneering marred by two grenade blasts leaving 17 people wounded, ended this evening in constituency, where ruling NC is seeking votes to prevent Narendera Modi to become Prime Minister of the country while the main opposition PDP and other parties alleged the NC leaders sold the interests of the Jammu and Kashmir for their self interest.
However, the common voter wanted to vote for employment, good roads, corruption free society, electricity and water.
The constituency was represented by NC since 1975, barring once in 1996 when Congress won the seat after NC did not put up any candidate when militancy was at its peak in the valley.
Besides NC and PDP, BJP, National Panthers Party (NPP), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Akhil Bhartiya Muslim League and eight independents are also seeking mandate from the seat.
The constituency remained stronghold of NC since 1975 when the party (NC) started participating in the democratic process following Indira-Sheikh accord. However, in 1996 the seat was won by Congress candidate Ghulam Mohammad Mir when NC did not put up any candidate as majority NC leaders, including Dr Abdullah and Omar Abdullah were living outside the valley due to militancy. Before 1967, members to Lok Sabha were being nominated from Jammu and Kashmir.
Former Prime Minister Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad was the first to represent the Srinagar constituency in 1967.
However, in 1971 Shamim Ahmad Shamim, an independent candidate supported by ‘Mahaz Raishumari Front ‘ headed by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, won from the constituency.
Later after Indira-Sheikh accord in 1975, Begum Akbar Jehan, mother of Dr Abdullah represented the seat in 1977 as NC nominee.
Abdul Rashid Kabli of NC represented the seat in 1984 and Mohammad Shafi Bhat (NC) in 1989. (AGENCIES)
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