Suhail Bhat
PULWAMA, May 13: First-time voters in Kashmir today entered the democratic arena with a mixture of hope, determination, and grievances, aiming to amplify their voices in Parliament as they cast their ballots for the Srinagar Parliamentary seat.
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Unlike previous elections in the Valley, the elections saw a remarkable turnout of new and young voters lining up outside polling stations for the Srinagar Parliamentary constituency, which spans four districts.
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This election holds particular significance as it unfolds after a five-year hiatus since the abrogation of Article 370 of the constitution in August 2019 by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Government.
First time voter Zahid from Bandepora, Pulwama, underscored the urgent need for a leader dedicated to their cause. “It is necessary right now that we choose our leader. Around 200 kanals of land in the village that had passed on from generations were taken over by the Government, rendering a huge chunk of the population that was dependent on it without livelihood,” Ahmad from Kakpora said.
The spectre of past injustices also propels Rayees Maqbool from Ratsuna Tral to the ballot box. “I cast my vote to send a message to the Government that whatever happened to us in 2019 is unacceptable to us,” Maqbool declared.
In Srinagar, areas like Khanyar, 20 year old Rabia, the first-time voter, underlined the collective desire for change. “This is my first vote, and I am here to do my part in bringing about a change in the Government at the Centre,” she affirmed.
Youth from the Gautlibagh area in Ganderbal expressed their expectations, emphasizing the importance of leaders addressing long-pending demands such as granting Scheduled Tribe status to the Pathans living in the area.
“I hope our leaders represent the true aspirations of the youth and think about the development of the area including better roads, electricity, and granting Scheduled Tribe status for the Pathans. One vote can shape the destiny of voters,” Zahid, a first-time voter from Gautlibagh, remarked.
Mufeeda, another first-time voter, highlighted pressing issues like healthcare and access to clean drinking water. “We want our candidate to think about our issues. We want the Government to prioritize the needs of the youth,” she asserted.
The election fervor also sheds light on grassroots issues that have long plagued the region. Sarmand, a voter concerned over escalating costs, expresses his frustration. “I am voting only for change. Right now we are concerned over the cost escalation,” he said.
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