Srinagar in limelight- Phase 2 Assembly 2024
News Kashmir Analysis
Srinagar is the soul of Jammu and Kashmir. It is an historic city.
This year the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar has been officially recognised as a ‘World Craft City’ by the World Crafts Council last week as its recognition will boost the handloom and handicraft sectors of the valley as this prestigious honour underscores the city’s rich heritage and the exceptional skills of its artisans whose dedication and artistry.
The assembly elections happening after a gap of 10 years and first after the historic abrogation of article 370 have brought much focus on Srinagar, which has history of very low voting.
The Election campaign in Srinagar has been electrifying with after gap of nearly 40 years such festive atmosphere being witnessed as candidates try to woo voters.
During the last elections, Hazratbal Assembly Constituency had the highest voting percentage of 29 percent among the Constituencies with Habbakadal lowest of 21 percent. Zadibal Assembly Constituency had voting percentage of mere 23.64 and Khanyar 26 percent.
As a matter of fact , Srinagar after delimitation has 8 Assembly constituencies. The Chanapora Assembly Constituency is the latest addition. Srinagar has been historically a NC bastion with often NC winning most of the seats. This time around a nail bitting fight is witnessed between PDP and NC on 7 seats ,with Apni Party also putting a strong fight in Chanapora.
The women underrepresented in these elections is a matter of serious concern.
of 93 candidates vying for eight assembly seats in Srinagar, only three are women. This minuscule representation becomes even more pronounced when these three candidates contest in only two of the eight constituencies.
PM Modi too during recent Srinagar rally struck historic pulse.
We have said in the parliament that we will restore (the region’s) statehood. Only the BJP will fulfill this commitment,” PM Modi said to a cheering crowd at the rally while referring to Bharatiya Janata Party, without specifying any timeline for the return of statehood.
He called the ongoing election the festival of democracy in the region. “Jammu and Kashmir is strengthening the democracy of India, and I congratulate the people for this,” he said.
The political pulse is excited whether the current elections would witness increase in voting percentage in Srinagar or not .
The eyes would be all set on the 24th September to watch the key elections and analyze them.
